International aspects of family law

Marriages and relationships between couples of different nationalities are becoming increasingly common as the world becomes smaller. If the relationship breaks up, this can raise challenging issues for both parties, particularly if children are involved.

Jurisdictional issues (i.e. which country’s legal system has the right to hear the case) are becoming increasingly common in family law. They may relate to divorce - for example, if a Scots couple are living abroad in the United Arab Emirates, which country has jurisdiction for divorce?

Or they may relate to residence of the parties’ children. For example, if an English couple move to Scotland and then the mother returns to England, in which country should a Court decide the future residence of the children?

Every case is different and we have the experience and skills to advise you as to what will be in your best interests and those of your children. We also have strong connections with other family lawyers in different countries including England and Northern Ireland. If we can’t help, we will be able to put you in touch with another family solicitor who can.

We represent clients in “relocation cases” – where there is a proposed emigration to another country which may affect the children of the relationship. For example, if a father intends to emigrate to Australia, how can contact and holiday arrangements be structured to allow his children to continue to have contact with him?

We also act for clients based abroad who need advice about issues such as child maintenance, spousal support, separation and divorce.