International family law

If you are facing a complex international family law issue such as divorce, child abduction, or surrogacy, we understand how challenging this time can be.

Children First International 2

Experts at navigating complex international legal cases, we are here to help you and your family through issues such as divorce, child abduction and surrogacy.

Rest assured; we face these complicated global issues all the time. Every situation is different, so we get to know you and understand your family’s unique position before offering clear, practical advice to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome.

Although, in some cases, it is necessary to take urgent, decisive action, we look to reduce conflict and cost at every opportunity. All our family lawyers are members of Resolution, an organisation committed to finding non-confrontational, constructive methods of approaching family law issues.

Leading international experience 

Senior members of our family and children team are Fellows of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) - a global network recognising the most experienced, skilled family lawyers around the world.

Not only that, but we also personally know many of the other leading international lawyers in this group, having built up close professional relationships over many years. This means that, wherever your legal concern may be and whatever the issue is, we have the connections to ensure we deliver the best results for you.

Our international divorce services

Ending a relationship is always difficult but international divorce brings an added layer of complexity. The thought of coordinating across borders to organise a financial settlement or making plans for your children can be overwhelming. You need absolute confidence in the expertise and experience of your divorce solicitors.

From everyday divorces to ground-breaking cases challenging established legal principles, our lawyers are highly experienced in working out the best possible course of action.

Jurisdiction

If your life spans multiple countries, choosing where to divorce can be a critical decision but we can advise you on the best approach for your circumstances.

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Our international financial services

From spousal and child maintenance to dividing pensions, understanding tax implications and property division, complex financial matters are almost always central to divorce proceedings. It can be overwhelming trying to understand what your future might look like when these assets are held in various countries following different rules.

At this time, you need advisers who deal with these intricate international issues every day, can quickly clarify the situation for you, and know how to ensure your family starts this new part of your life with confidence about what is to come.

We can help you overcome cross-border financial issues following a divorce or separation, working in an equitable way to achieve the right outcome for your family.

Finances after an overseas divorce

If you need to make an additional financial claim in England and Wales following a divorce abroad, we can support you.

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International prenup agreements

Ahead of your marriage, we can put in place a framework for you and your partner to understand what the future potentially holds.

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Our international children services

When relationships end, often the hardest, most emotional decisions involve children.

If arrangements lead to a dispute, and the issue crosses more than one legal area, the levels of complication and stress are immeasurable.

Decisions about whether a parent should be allowed to move abroad with their children are also hugely emotive and legally challenging. 

One of the most distressing circumstances a parent can face is where their child is taken out of the country without their permission. We have specialists with vast experience in dealing with abduction cases, combining first-class legal knowledge with a genuine understanding of the human story behind the legal headlines.

Our children team experts know how difficult all these international family issues are to deal with and how a court will approach them if they cannot be resolved by agreement.

International children arrangements

We can help you make arrangements to look after your children with a co-parent abroad.

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International child relocation

If you or your ex-spouse are looking to move overseas, we will guide you through the legal process.

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International surrogacy

We understand how to secure your legal parentage under UK law and issues relating to citizenship.

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Ready to talk to us?

Our team of specialist family lawyers are here to support you if you're facing issues related to international family law. Speak to our team today. 

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Our international family lawyers

What others say about us

“Mills & Reeve is exceptional. From top to bottom, they are extraordinarily talented lawyers and very bright.”

Chambers 2024

“I always found them to be knowledgeable and reliable advocates and I had total confidence in their abilities to protect my interests, however complex the issues.”

Chambers 2024

“I'm so fortunate to have found Mills & Reeve. They've approached my situation, and the work that has flowed from it, with such care, empathy and professionalism. They are a shining example and model for how all law firms should hold themselves, and operate.”

Legal 500

“Excellent team with both strength and depth; they work extremely well and often collaborate on case management so that there is a coherent and strategic approach to the case right from the start. ”

Legal 500

“Mills & Reeve have a personable and down-to-earth approach. The advice they provide is practical and is always the most sensible approach to reach resolution as quickly as possible ”

Chambers 2024

Resources

Explaining family law podcast

Facing a family law issue and not sure what's involved? Our podcast is the right place to start.

Listen to our podcast

Family and children blog

Our family and children law blog provides practical advice and insight on a wide range of topics by our family and children lawyers.

Read our blog

Family law vlogger YouTube

On our YouTube channel, Caitlin Jenkins, the Family Law Vlogger gives you guidance on your first step in sorting out your issues.

Subscribe

International family law FAQs

This depends on a range of factors and is far from straightforward as the rules vary from country to country and have changed in the UK since leaving the EU. Nationality and residence are the main determining factors, but it is essential to get expert advice from your divorce solicitor as early as possible as you may have a choice of jurisdictions and where the divorce takes place can sometimes make a significant difference to the financial settlement. 

Where you were married has no bearing on whether you can get a divorce in England and Wales. What matters is primarily your nationality or where you and your partner usually live. 

Contact our team today

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