Expat Divorce
 Expats originally from England or Wales currently living in another part of the world can often use the English Courts to obtain a divorce. Likewise individuals from other countries who have made their home in England may chose to divorce here.
The question of UK Domicile
Other firms may have told you they cannot help as you do not reside in the UK, or because you were married abroad, or because your spouse is a foreign national. Because of our detailed and expert knowledge of international family law we can very often find a solution, and more often than not obtain a Decree of divorce in the English courts.
Most expats are surprised to learn that they can obtain a divorce through the English courts from anywhere in the world and that neither party has to appear in court at any stage, provided the divorce is uncontested.
If you let us have full details of your personal circumstances, we will provide you with detailed advice as to whether you can file divorce proceedings in the UK courts, what legal problems there may be along the way and how we can deal with these - all for just £235 including VAT – anyone living outside an EU member state is not required to pay VAT and therefore pays just £200.
Woolley & Co, solicitors offer a special fixed fee divorce service to expats. We can handled your divorce from start to finish, preparing all the necessary paperwork, filing papers at the court and considering all issues of jurisdiction (which country’s law’s apply) .
Using the English legal system is often much quicker, cheaper and more effective than attempting to use the local jurisdiction and in many instances expats are prevented from doing so.
Deciding whether you are eligible to divorce under English law can be difficult sometimes so it is important that you take advice from a lawyer experienced in dealing with expat divorce.
Take Advice
Because it can be beneficial to use the English legal system to process your divorce you should always take advice on whether you are eligible to divorce under UK law. If your circumstances are at all complicated, for example you married abroad, either party is not a UK citizen, you live or are domiciled in different countries there are complicated rules which apply and your circumstances may need to be explored in some detail. For this purpose we offer a fixed fee detailed assessment of expat divorce cases for just £235.
Limitations of the English Courts
There are some limitations on what can be agreed and arranged through the English court system. Any foreign owned property for example is not under the jurisdiction of the English courts so for example the judge cannot make orders in respect of overseas assets, except by consent so cannot, for instance, order a house in France to be transferred to one particular party. This would have to be dealt with by a local lawyer.
For more detailsread our Fact Sheet - Can I Divorce in the UK.
Contact Woolley & Co on +44 (0) 1789 267377 now for advice on international divorce or book an appointment for a formal assessment of your case.
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