International Divorce Solicitors
If your divorce involves assets, children, or a spouse in another country, our Solicitors, with more than 15 years of experience in complex international family law, can help.
When a marriage has connections to more than one country, divorce becomes considerably more complicated. The country in which proceedings are started can determine what law applies, how assets are divided, and what financial provision either party receives. Getting jurisdiction right is one of the most consequential decisions in an international divorce, and it needs to be made with specialist advice before the other side acts first.
Law Lane Solicitors’ family law team advises clients whose divorces involve foreign assets, overseas property, non-UK spouses, or family members living abroad. Founded in 2015, we operate from offices in Stratford, High Holborn, and Croydon.
We are one of the very few law firms in England and Wales with solicitors, solicitor-advocates, and barristers working under one roof. In international cases, where proceedings can move quickly and representation at hearings may be needed at short notice, that in-house capability matters. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.95 from over 1,200 client reviews, our reputation for expert, trustworthy, and dynamic legal advice is well established. We also hold a Family Law accreditation from the Law Society of England and Wales.
Our International Divorce Legal Services
We advise and act on the full range of international divorce matters, including:
- Jurisdiction applications: establishing whether England and Wales is the appropriate forum for divorce proceedings where multiple countries have a potential claim. The rules are set out in the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973.
- Forum disputes, including applications to stay proceedings issued abroad or to challenge the jurisdiction of a foreign court.
- Cross-border financial remedy proceedings, covering assets held in more than one country, including overseas property, foreign bank accounts, and offshore trusts.
- Recognition of foreign divorce orders in England and Wales, and advice on whether a divorce obtained abroad will be treated as valid under English law.
- Enforcement of English financial orders against assets held in foreign jurisdictions.
- International child arrangements, including applications where children are living abroad or where relocation to another country is in dispute.
- Habitual residence disputes, establishing where a child or spouse is legally based for the purposes of jurisdiction.
- Emergency applications where assets are at risk of being moved overseas before proceedings are concluded.
- Advice on the interaction between English law and the law of the country where the other party is based.
- Separation and financial settlement agreements designed to be recognised across multiple jurisdictions.
Why Choose Law Lane for International Divorce?
International divorce cases require a solicitor who understands not only English family law but also how foreign jurisdictions approach financial division, maintenance, and children’s arrangements. Our Family Law Solicitors have represented clients in some of the most legally and logistically demanding cross-border cases, including matters involving assets across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Our in-house advocacy structure gives clients a practical advantage when proceedings require court attendance. We do not refer cases to external counsel when hearings arise. Our solicitor-advocates and barristers represent clients directly, maintaining continuity from the first conference to the final order, particularly valuable in international cases where the factual detail is extensive, and the financial stakes are high.
Get in Touch
Our international divorce team is ready to advise you today. International cases can move quickly, and early legal advice is often the difference between protecting your position and losing it.
Please phone: 020 7870 4870 or email: info@lawlanesolicitors.co.uk
Law Lane Solicitors is proud to be accredited under The Law Society’s Immigration and Asylum Accreditation.
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“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Barrister Ghulam Mustafa Khuwaja and their dedicated team member Sarah Akram During an incredibly stressful and complex divorce, their expertise made all the difference.When I was faced with a stay order application, the team moved quickly and strategically to protect my interests. Their proactive approach and sound legal advice helped resolve the situation efficiently and secure the final order with minimal delay.They were always approachable, kept me informed of the next steps, and ensured my case was handled with the utmost care and efficiency. I highly recommend Barrister Ghulam Mustafa Khuwaja and their team to anyone in need of top-tier family law professionals.“ – S.B – Trust Pilot
Frequently Asked Questions – International Divorce Matters
Can I divorce in England if my spouse lives abroad?
Yes, English courts can accept jurisdiction over a divorce in circumstances including where you are habitually resident in England and Wales, where you were last habitually resident here, and one of you still lives here, or where you are domiciled in England and Wales. The rules are set out in the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 and are technical. Where a foreign court might also claim jurisdiction, timing is critical.
What happens if both England and another country could handle the divorce?
Where more than one country has jurisdiction, the proceedings issued first will generally have priority. This is sometimes described informally as a race to court, and it can have major financial consequences because different countries divide assets very differently. We act urgently in these situations to protect our clients’ positions before the other side files abroad.
Will a divorce obtained in another country be valid in England?
Many foreign divorces are automatically recognised in England and Wales, particularly those obtained in countries that are party to relevant international agreements. Recognition is not guaranteed, and a divorce obtained in proceedings where one party had no notice or opportunity to participate may be refused recognition. We can advise on the validity of any overseas divorce and, where necessary, apply to have it formally recognised.
How are overseas assets dealt with in an English divorce?
English courts have wide powers to make financial orders covering assets wherever they are located, under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Enforcing those orders against assets held abroad depends on the law of the country where the assets are situated, and some jurisdictions do not recognise or enforce English orders. We work with specialists in the relevant countries where enforcement action is required.
Can my children be included in the English proceedings if they live abroad?
Jurisdiction over children is separate from jurisdiction over divorce. The courts of the country where a child is habitually resident will usually have jurisdiction over their arrangements. If your children are living abroad, we can advise on the applicable framework and, where necessary, on applications under international instruments to secure their return or establish contact with them.
What is habitual residence, and why does it matter?
Habitual residence is the legal concept used to determine where a person is considered to be settled for the purposes of jurisdiction. It is assessed by reference to where you live, work, and have your settled centre of life, rather than simply where you hold a passport. In international divorce cases, habitual residence determines which country’s courts have jurisdiction and, in children’s cases, which country’s courts can make orders about a child.
What if my spouse has already started proceedings abroad?
If proceedings have been issued abroad, you need urgent advice. Depending on where those proceedings have been started and what treaty arrangements exist between that country and England, it may be possible to challenge jurisdiction or take parallel steps to protect your position. Delay reduces the options available to you.
How much does an initial consultation cost?
We offer an initial consultation at a fixed fee, during which we will assess your international divorce situation, explain the jurisdictional position, identify key risks, and provide a clear picture of the next steps and costs. Please call or email us to arrange an appointment.
International Divorce Team
Ghulam Mustafa
Barrister, Deputy Managing Director, Non-Practising Solicitor AdvocateView Profile | ContactBook Appointment
Sarah Akram
Supervising SolicitorView Profile | ContactBook Appointment
Manpreet Kaur
Trainee SolicitorView Profile | ContactBook Appointment
Shahid Hussain
Legal ConsultantView Profile | ContactBook Appointment
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