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.

Am I eligible to get divorced in the UK?

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.

What are the benefits of using the English and Welsh Courts to obtain a divorce?

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.

International Divorce Solicitors | Nelsons l East Midlands

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.

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.

Our international divorce fixed fee service

We offer a fixed fee service 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.

Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.

Testimonials…

"Nelsons Solicitors Limited has an experienced family and children law practice, and is noted for its strength in cases with an international element. The family team...regularly advises high-net-worth individuals on financial relief cases..."
The Legal 500
“Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases..."
Chambers and Partners
"...Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”
Chambers and Partners (Continued)
"Nelsons...is a leading firm in family law. They represent people from all walks of life and always give 110% to all of their cases. Their diversity is exceptional. Unlike other solicitors they are always on hand to speak by phone or email, night or day or weekend..."
The Legal 500 2023
"Midlands powerhouse Nelsons Solicitors Limited houses family law specialists in each of its three offices..."
The Legal 500 2023
"Superb family law team, class A and the absolute go to in children law and financial relief on divorce. They far outweigh their competitors in every aspect..."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
"...The people provide hands on support and client care from the outset concentrating on strategy and approach. Given their wealth of experience, they are financially competitive."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024 (Continued)
"Nelsons are an well-established and highly respected firm, deservedly so. They cover a number of disciplines with the utmost professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with and prominent in the local legal community."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024

To discuss how our specialist solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham can help you or for further details of our fixed fee service, please contact us via our online form or call 0800 024 1976.

International divorce FAQs

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.
Am I eligible to get divorced in the UK?
Whether you are eligible to divorce in the UK depends upon two things:
1. Where you are domiciled; and
2. 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.
What are the benefits of using the English and Welsh Courts to obtain a divorce?

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.