International Divorce Lawyers | London & Essex

Comprehensive advice for international families

Expert legal advice for families crossing international borders, including divorce, finance, child arrangements and relocation abroad.

Our specialist international family law team at Pinney Talfourd is proud to be recognised in Tier 1 of the Legal 500 UK and ranked in Chambers and Partners. We understand that family issues don’t stop at borders, and with families increasingly relocating, our expertise helps you use the English courts where eligible, even if you or your spouse/partner lives overseas.

We support clients through every step of the process – from securing jurisdiction to resolving complex financial and child-related issue such as the relocation of children abroad. English family courts are respected worldwide for fairness. Whether you live in Europe, the Middle East, the US, or beyond, we streamline communication via Zoom, Teams, phone or email, ensuring ease of communication.

Our team includes Law Society Family Panel members and Resolution Accredited Specialists, ensuring meticulous, proactive representation tailored to your unique situation. We are here to guide you through tough decisions with professionalism, and clarity, giving you peace of mind during difficult transitions.

Legal 500 Tier 1 recognised expertise

We are proud to be recognised in Legal 500’s top tier, reflecting our excellence in complex cases.

Accredited specialists

Our solicitors hold Law Society Family Panel memberships and Resolution Specialist Accreditations, ensuring you receive the best possible advice.

Jurisdiction guidance and strategy

We provide jurisdictional advice in relation to England & Wales, even when living abroad.

Skilled in cross-border finances

Our team expertly navigates international assets, pensions, and property to secure fair financial arrangements.

Child-focussed solutions

We prioritise the needs and welfare of children, creating child arrangements that work across borders and providing advice to parents who want to move abroad.

Technology-enabled client care

We offer remote consultations and meetings via Teams, Zoom or telephone to fit around your life and location. We are happy to accommodate your time zones.

Multinational client experience

We’ve supported clients from around the world with culturally sensitive, effective solutions.

Proactive, compassionate communication

We keep you informed and prepared at every stage with clear, straightforward advice you can trust.

Live chat

Need help with a legal issue? Start a chat with a member of our team.

Speak with us

Call us

Our team is here to help. Call your local office today.

0800 011 1195

We’ll call you

Please let us know when it’s convenient and we’ll call you.

Request a callback

Pay an invoice

Pay your invoice securely through our online portal.

Pay online

Navigating international family law: understanding the complexities and practicalities of family law beyond borders

International family law involves more than just dealing with divorce or separation. It means managing all legal issues including child relocation, when you or your spouse live in different countries and face competing jurisdictions. English law allows you to divorce here if you meet certain conditions related to habitual residence or domicile, which we help you navigate confidently.

We carefully assess your situation’s eligibility to be dealt with by the English courts and advise on cases where other countries might also have jurisdiction. If proceedings exist elsewhere, we guide you through the court’s discretion to pause or proceed, protecting your interests and timelines.

Financial settlements can be complex when involving international assets or different legal systems. England’s courts have a strong reputation for fairness, making them a trusted choice for resolving property, maintenance, and pension claims – safeguarding your and your family’s future.

With years of experience handling international divorces and family disputes, our team guides with clarity and empathy, supporting you to make informed decisions. We understand these times are stressful, and our partnership approach ensures you are never alone in the process.

International family law FAQs

We understand you might be looking for answers, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help get you started.

Can I divorce in England and Wales if I live overseas?

Yes. If you or your spouse meet one or more residence or domicile criteria as defined under English law, you can file for divorce here.

Why choose England & Wales for an international divorce?

The English court system is fair, impartial, efficient, and widely trusted globally. It conducts proceedings in English, which can simplify matters without the need for translation. Some cases can even be handled online.

What is ‘habitual residence’ and ‘domicile’?

Habitual residence means where you currently live regularly and plan to stay. There are different types of domicile including domicile of origin (where you were born) domicile of choice and domicile of dependence. Both affect which courts can hear your case.

How long does the international divorce process take?

The process follows the same steps as domestic divorce, but serving papers abroad can add time and legal costs depending on the country involved.

Can the courts make financial orders after a divorce overseas?

Sometimes, yes. The English courts can make certain financial orders following an overseas divorce, but the scope and procedures differ from those issued alongside an English divorce.