Divorce Lawyer
Expats UAE

If you or your ex-partner live overseas it may be possible to divorce in England or Wales. In order to establish jurisdiction, it’s essential to establish you have connections to the UK.

Usually this is established due to the fact you live in the UK, but it can also be established if there are historical or familial connections to the UK.

If you or your ex-partner reside in the UK, it may still be possible to divorce abroad.

We can make you aware of all your options, and help you obtain specialist legal advice in another country.

We recommend taking rapid and decisive action to make sure your divorce takes place in the country most beneficial to you. Contact one of our specialist advisors immediately if you think you and your spouse might disagree on the location of the divorce.

If you cannot agree on the country in which to divorce, a forum dispute may be required.

The English courts will apply the forum non-conveniens test to determine the country in the best position to handle the divorce. This means essentially deciding on which court is best-equipped to oversee the divorce. This involves considering any links a family and their finances have to a country.

In the EU, it used to be the case that the country in which divorce proceedings were first issued was the country in which the divorce took place. Following Brexit, the first to issue test is no longer the deciding factor.

However it may be beneficial to be the first to issue so we recommend you obtain advice, without delay, from one of our specialist advisors.

The country in which the divorce is taking place dicates the laws applicable to any financial issues relating to the divorce. Financial outcomes from divorces therefore vary greatly from country to country. It is essential to obtain legal advice before the terms of the divorce are finalised so you can determine the country best suited to your financial goals.

The language, availaibility of, and expense of legal advice, as well as how enforceble any financial order might be, will also play an important role in your decision.
With our expert lawyers to assist you, you’ll be able to assess all relevant options. We’re here to help you take any appropriate tactical steps necessary, and support you in liaising with lawyers in other countries.

Obtaining a final divorce decree generally takes four to six months when the English court has jurisdiction.

As experienced international divorce lawyers we will support and advise you throughout the entire divorce process.

International families have unique challenges when it comes to making arrangements for children especially when there are issues relating to international relocation.

We can provide parents with specialist legal advice on child abduction issues.

A financial order made abroad may need to be enforced in England.

You can also enforce English orders in another country.