Family disputes can become significantly more complicated when parents, children, property or finances are located in different countries. Different legal systems, geographical distance and practical issues around travel can make reaching an agreement particularly challenging.
International family mediation provides a confidential and constructive way to discuss these issues without immediately resorting to contested court proceedings.
With online mediation available, you can participate from different countries and time zones, giving you a flexible way to work towards an agreement wherever you are based.
What is International Family Mediation?
International family mediation is a form of family mediation designed for disputes with a cross-border element.
This might mean that you and your former partner live in different countries, that one parent wants to relocate abroad with your children or that your family has financial interests in more than one jurisdiction.
An independent family mediator helps you identify the issues that need to be resolved, communicate constructively and explore possible solutions.
The mediator remains impartial.
They do not take sides or impose an outcome. Instead, you remain in control of the decisions you make and any agreement you reach.
What Can International Mediation Help With?
International mediation can potentially help with a wide range of family disputes, including:
- international child arrangements;
- parents living in different countries;
- relocation abroad with children;
- arrangements for children to travel internationally;
- school holidays and international contact;
- passports and travel arrangements;
- international divorce and separation;
- property and financial arrangements;
- assets located overseas;
- maintenance and financial support;
- international schooling;
- communication between separated parents;
- practical arrangements following relocation; and
- other cross-border family disputes.
The issues involved in international family cases can be complex, so it is important to establish at an early stage whether mediation is appropriate and whether specialist legal advice is also required.
Mediation When Parents Live in Different Countries
You do not necessarily need to be in the same country to mediate.
International family mediation can often take place online, allowing each participant to join securely from their own location.
This can be particularly useful where:
- you live in different countries;
- travelling for meetings would be expensive;
- you have different work commitments;
- international travel is impractical;
- one or both parents move frequently; or
- you would simply prefer to mediate remotely.
Online mediation can also make scheduling around different time zones easier.
Our mediators can discuss the practical arrangements with you before mediation begins.
International Divorce Mediation
International mediation is not limited to disputes involving children.
It can also help couples discuss financial and practical arrangements following an international separation or divorce.
You may have connections with several countries because of where you were born, where you married, where you currently live or where your assets are located.
Issues for discussion could include:
- the family home;
- overseas property;
- savings and investments;
- pensions;
- businesses;
- international assets;
- maintenance;
- future housing needs; and
- other financial arrangements following separation.
International financial cases can involve complex questions about which country's laws apply and where proceedings can take place.
Mediation does not replace specialist legal advice on those issues.
Instead, it can provide a constructive forum for negotiations while each person obtains independent legal advice where necessary.
How Consilia Legal Can Help With International Mediation
Cross-border family disputes can feel overwhelming because legal, practical and emotional issues often overlap.
Our experienced family mediators provide a structured and constructive environment in which you can work through those issues and explore practical solutions.
We can help with:
- international family mediation;
- online mediation between different countries;
- international child arrangements;
- international relocation;
- arrangements for travel and school holidays;
- financial and property disputes;
- overseas assets;
- international divorce issues;
- Child Inclusive Mediation;
- Hybrid Mediation; and
- other cross-border family disputes.
Where your circumstances require independent international family law advice alongside mediation, we can also help you understand the appropriate next steps.
Contact Our International Family Mediators at Consilia Mediation
If you and your former partner live in different countries or your family dispute has an international element, mediation could provide a flexible and constructive way forward.
Consilia Legal's experienced family mediators can help you explore arrangements for children, finances, relocation and other cross-border issues without immediately resorting to contested court proceedings.
Contact us today on 0113 322 9222 or email enquiries@consilialegal.co.uk
