Expert legal advice for international divorce
Getting divorced is a stressful experience at any time, but if you or your spouse live outside the UK or are not originally from the UK, there can be extra issues to consider. This is when you need a team of specialist international divorce solicitors to provide advice and support.
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Our international divorce solicitors
At Nelsons, our expert family lawyers specialise in foreign and expat divorce law. Our experience ensures that we will give you expert advice about your circumstances, as well as support you throughout the divorce process.
Our vast experience in handling and advising on international divorce cases allows us to consider and analyse each situation individually to determine the best approach for you.
Our team’s expertise in family law is recognised by the independently researched directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
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Can I get an international divorce?
You can obtain a divorce in England or Wales, or use the English and Welsh Courts to deal with any financial matters arising from your divorce, if:
- You are originally from England or Wales but are currently living elsewhere in the world and would like the English or Welsh Courts to deal with your divorce.
- You have only recently returned to live in the UK after living elsewhere in the world.
- You are originally from outside the UK but are now living here and wish to divorce here.
- Your spouse lives outside the UK and there may be issues concerning how to trace them or in which country the proceedings should be issued.
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Whether you are eligible to divorce in the UK depends upon two things:
- Where you are domiciled; and
- Where you are habitually resident.
Domicile is a legal point that takes into account not only where you were born but also where you are living now and what your intentions are for the future. Habitual residence, on the other hand, refers to where you live and are based for the majority of the time.
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The benefits of using the English and Welsh Courts:
Even if you and your ex-spouse have already been granted a divorce in another country, if you have strong links with England and Wales it may be possible for the English/Welsh Courts to deal with any financial matters arising from your divorce. Using the English and Welsh legal system is often much quicker, cheaper and more effective than attempting to use your local jurisdiction and in many instances expats can be prevented from doing so.
It is also worth noting that it may be financially advantageous to divorce here, so it is important to seek advice from a specialist expat and international divorce lawyer before issuing proceedings.
Our international divorce fixed fee service
We offer a fixed fee service for £450 + VAT which reviews your international divorce papers and provides advice in respect of any financial matters arising from your separation.
Our service requires you to send us the paperwork, along with a certified translation, if the documents are not in English. We will then review the papers and arrange a 45-minute telephone or video call appointment with you where we will discuss the details of your divorce and provide advice.
That advice is then confirmed in writing in a detailed client care letter, and, if necessary, advice will also be provided in connection with the prospect of you being able to pursue an application for financial relief following an overseas divorce under the jurisdiction of England and Wales.