International Divorce

International divorce is a complex area. Financial matters and other outcomes can differ depending on which country legal proceedings are issued in. It is therefore vital to act quickly and take urgent legal steps to protect your position.

We understand that each matter differs, especially with a divorce process involving international aspects. Our specialist divorce lawyers will provide you with expert legal advice during what can be a stressful and emotional time.

Myerson are members of MSI Global Alliance. This is an international association of 250 independent member firms of lawyers and accountants in more than 100 countries. This enables our family law solicitors to quickly locate reliable, local expertise from anywhere in the world, which can be useful when we are dealing with international legal matters.

It is common to find parties to a marriage involved in a race for the jurisdiction of their choice. Divorce proceedings may be issued in England, provided that:

• both parties are habitually resident in England & Wales;
• both parties were last habitually resident in England & Wales and one of them continues to reside there;
• the respondent is habitually resident in England & Wales;
• the petitioner is habitually resident in England & Wales and has resided there for at least one year before the divorce petition is presented;
• the petitioner is domiciled in England & Wales and has been habitually resident in England & Wales for at least six months before the divorce petition is presented; or
• the petitioner and the respondent are both domiciled in England & Wales.

The English legal system and in particular, London, has a reputation for being  ‘the divorce capital of the world’. This means that a spouse may receive a much higher financial award comparative to other jurisdictions.

Time may be of the essence where there are competing jurisdictions in which proceedings can be issued. If there is an international element to your relationship, you should speak to one of our specialist family law solicitors as soon as possible.

Our divorce solicitors will advise you on the best place to issue proceedings and make sure that you protect yourself and your assets.

We recognise that international cases require speedy and specialist input at an early stage.

At Myerson, we have experience of dealing with a wide range of jurisdictions from Europe, the Middle East, Israel, USA, the Caribbean and Australia including "tax havens" such as Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man & Luxembourg.

We regularly assist clients from all over the world with complex divorce, financial and child relocation disputes.

If you would like to talk to us, in confidence, about how we can help, please call us on 0161 941 4000, or contact us online.

• Our specialist family law solicitors are experts in complex, high-value divorce, and family disputes.
• Our family law solicitors are recognised by the Legal 500. 
• Our family team are all members of Resolution, the largest organisation of family lawyers in the UK, and are dedicated to dealing with matters in a non-confrontational and constructive way.
• Our team were shortlisted for the family law firm of the year (North) and financial remedies team of the year (National) at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2022.
• Our team work closely with other departments internally, including property, employment, corporate and commercial lawyers, to ensure that your financial needs are protected comprehensively.
• We provide a partner-led service to ensure you receive the very best legal advice and support for your family law issues.
• We have a large team of expert solicitors and can meet your deadlines.
• We are a full-service law firm operating from a one-site office, which means our teams communicate effectively and efficiently.
• We use the latest technology to ensure that we are working as efficiently. Geographical distance is no bar to us from providing excellent client service.
• We provide regular legal updates via our blogs, social media and local radio appearances.
• Look at the Myerson Promise for further benefits of working with us here.