If you are originally from England or Wales but now live overseas you may be eligible to get divorced in England. Using the English courts is often quicker, cheaper and less complicated than divorce through a foreign court. The process is simple and rarely requires you to return to the UK.
You may need an expat divorce if:
- You are originally from England or Wales but currently live in another part of the world and want to use the English Courts to obtain a divorce.
- Your marriage took place abroad.
- You have lived outside the UK for many years, have only recently returned and want to divorce in England.
- You and/or your spouse are from outside the UK, have made your home in England or Wales and choose to divorce in England.
- Your spouse lives outside the UK, and there may be issues in tracing them or debate about where to get divorced.
There may be other circumstances where an ‘expat divorce’ or international divorce law applies. There are some complex legal issues to consider, so it is always best to take advice from an experienced international divorce solicitor familiar with divorce issues across jurisdictions.
Most of our lawyers are able to offer advice on international and expat divorce issues, including how to get a divorce in the UK, advice on issues of jurisdiction (whether you would be eligible for an expat divorce), as well as the international relocation of children, or ‘leave to remove’ as it is sometimes called.
Woolley & Co, Solicitors has been undertaking divorce for British expats for over 15 years, with hundreds of satisfied clients.
Our international divorce lawyers assist clients in the UK and internationally facing a wide range of situations, with examples of our work including:
- Supporting a UK ex-pat living in Belgium with child arrangements and financial settlement in a complex cross-border divorce with a Belgian national
- Acting for an English client living in the US and working in India with assets in the Far East, responding to divorce proceedings started in India
- Contested proceedings involving foreign pension assets
- Advising a parent in relation to a court application to remove their children from the UK
“I would like to thank Woolley & Co very much for such a fast, friendly and efficient service” Dawn S, France
“Without your help I am not sure where I would have ended up. I would not hesitate in recommending you.” Darren, China
“A first class solicitor and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services to any of my friends or clients.” Dave Barnes, Spain
As a virtual law firm we are used to communicating via email, Skype and text and offering an out of hours service, so the fact you don’t live in the UK is no problem. Meet our team of expat lawyers here.