International Family Law Specialists

It is important to utilise the services of an international family law team and international family law specialists who understand and specialise in international family law issues given that these laws vary from country to country. Your chosen expert will need to be among international family law specialists who can provide expert advice, practical advice, and strategic advice on matters involving multiple jurisdictions and the technicalities and complications that could possibly arise when dealing with your matter internationally.

International issues are often more challenging in comparison to national issues as different countries have varying international family law requirements and proceedings. In these matters, it is important to identify the relevant legal system and legal framework, and to establish which country’s legal system applies. The divorce laws can vary in each jurisdiction which could mean that there may be more hurdles to overcome. Early advice can help identify the most appropriate forum and manage jurisdiction disputes. Differences between countries can significantly affect outcomes in international divorce cases, including financial settlements and a client’s financial position.

Here are just a handful of international family law cases that we work with, including family matters involving multiple countries and other cross border issues:

• Asset protection and valuation
• International divorce
• Marital agreements
• Property arrangements
• Protecting international business trusts and interests
• International asset tracing
• Freezing assets to prevent them being moved to another jurisdiction.
• International adoption, including safeguarding requirements
• International custody issues and other international child custody law

International divorce and other family matters can involve more than one country or a particular country, raise issues across multiple jurisdictions, and require advice on the relevant countries; you do not have to divorce in the country where you married.

We also advise on international surrogacy, international assets, and overseas assets in suitable cases.

If your query is not listed above, please contact our team of international family specialists who may be able to assist. We deal with a variety of complicated issues concerning international laws and may be able to assist even though your query is not listed on our website.

As well as international separation and divorce we also specialise in family issues involving international child arrangements and can work with International child custody matters. Are you concerned about your children being separated from you and being taken abroad following a separation? Contact one of our international family specialists today who can look to discuss this matter in depth with you and provide you with assurance that your matter will be dealt with in a timely manner.

Moving a child abroad without parental responsibility can be deemed as abduction and usually takes place when divorce proceedings between parents turn unpleasant. Our international family law experts can help you avoid disputes over child arrangements and contact arrangements when a child is taken abroad, and can also provide you with the relevant guidance and advice if your child has relocated abroad. Parents who share parental responsibility must address these issues lawfully.

The primary objective in child relocation cases is to ensure that the affected child is safely placed and returned. Courts prioritise the child’s welfare in relocation cases, and the aim is to protect children. In order to meet this objective, Hague Convention applications are crucial in international child abduction cases and related cross border disputes, and we work with Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.  Our child custody specialists have experience in reuniting parents with their children if they have moved abroad without permission and should this have happened to you please do not hesitate to contact us for advice in relation to resolving this difficult situation.

Alternatively, if you are a parent and want to relocate abroad with your child, our specialists can assist you to obtain written permission from the other parent or anyone with parental responsibility. Without such written permission you may need to apply to the court for permission to relocate abroad with a child. This is to ensure you are not subject to having committed child abduction. If abduction is feared or has already occurred, seek urgent legal advice.

It is vital to seek early legal advice and, where needed, urgent legal advice given the complex nature of the case and working internationally. Prompt guidance from specialist international family lawyers can help identify the right jurisdiction before delays increase. Other factors such as time difference delays may also affect your case, and timing can matter across multiple jurisdictions and in matters involving more than one country, so it is vital to commence your case as soon as possible to avoid delays and to reach a conclusion to your case.

We pride ourselves in keeping you updated throughout your international family law matter and our specialists will ensure you are fully aware of an understand the process for your case.