International families & children

Jurisdiction determines which country’s legal system will handle your case. The laws governing divorce, financial settlements, and child custody vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Choosing the wrong forum can result in less favourable financial settlements or custody arrangements.

We work closely with our clients to assess the specific circumstances of their case and advise on the best possible jurisdiction, maximising your chance of a favourable outcome.

Brexit has significantly impacted international family law, altering how UK and EU courts handle divorce and related matters. Previously, the EU’s “Brussels IIa Regulation” played a key role in determining jurisdiction for cross-border divorces. Now, without this framework, the decision-making process is more complex, often requiring bespoke legal strategies.

Our team at Anthony Gold Solicitors are well-versed in these changes, providing clients with up-to-date advice on how Brexit may influence their divorce proceedings, including new rules on recognition of judgments and enforcement of orders.

In some cases, both spouses may have the option to file for divorce in more than one country, a situation known as ‘forum shopping’. Each country may have different rules regarding spousal support, asset division, and child arrangements.

Deciding where to file first can be a race against time, as the country where proceedings are initiated often retains jurisdiction. Our solicitors are skilled in identifying the most advantageous forum for your case, helping you make informed decisions quickly and effectively.

Locating and accurately valuing assets across multiple jurisdictions can be challenging, particularly if your spouse is not forthcoming about their financial situation.

We have extensive experience in tracing assets hidden abroad and work closely with forensic accountants, private investigators, and international legal partners to provide a comprehensive picture of the financial landscape. This includes:

• Real estate investments: Identifying property owned in foreign countries, from holiday homes to commercial properties.
• Business assets: Evaluating interests in international businesses, partnerships, or trusts.
• Bank Accounts and Investments: Tracing offshore bank accounts, securities, and other financial holdings.

Our meticulous approach ensures that all assets are identified and included in the financial settlement, helping you achieve a fair and equitable outcome.

Each country has its own laws governing the division of assets, which can lead to vastly different outcomes. In the UK, the courts typically strive for fairness, but this principle may not apply in other jurisdictions.

For instance, some countries may not recognise prenuptial agreements, while others may have rigid rules on asset division that could leave one party at a disadvantage.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we provide expert advice on how to navigate these variations. By assessing the legal frameworks in each relevant country, we can help you determine where to pursue financial claims for the most favourable outcome.

Our solicitors are well-versed in handling cases that involve:

• High-net-worth individuals: Complex portfolios with international investments and business interests.
• Prenuptial & postnuptial agreements: Ensuring that agreements are enforced or challenged based on the specific laws of each jurisdiction.
• Pensions & retirement funds: Addressing international pension schemes and securing a fair division of retirement assets.

In cases of separation or divorce, one parent may wish to relocate with the child to another country. Whether it’s for work, family support, or a fresh start, these decisions can be life-changing for everyone involved.

However, moving a child abroad without the other parent’s consent is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. 

Our solicitors provide comprehensive support for parents seeking or opposing relocation, including: 

• Negotiating Consent: Assisting in obtaining or challenging parental consent for international relocation. 

• Court Applications: Guiding you through the process of applying to the Family Court for permission to relocate. 

• Child’s Best Interests: Prioritising the child’s welfare, considering factors like their ties to each parent, education, and cultural connections. 

We offer practical advice and strategic representation, whether you are the parent seeking to move or the one contesting the relocation. Our aim is to find a solution that protects your child’s well-being while considering your family’s unique circumstances. 

Child abduction, where a parent unlawfully removes or retains a child abroad, is a devastating and urgent issue. The longer a child is kept in a foreign country without consent, the more difficult it can be to secure their return. In these cases, speed and expertise are critical.

Anthony Gold Solicitors are highly experienced in handling international child abduction cases, including those governed by the Hague Convention. Our services include: 

• Immediate legal action: Taking swift steps to initiate proceedings for the child’s return, both in the UK and abroad. 

• Hague convention cases: Navigating the complexities of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, ensuring that your case meets the necessary legal criteria. 

• Non-ague convention countries: Providing expert advice on child abduction cases involving countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention, which often require a tailored legal approach. 

Our priority is to act quickly and effectively, working with a network of international legal professionals to secure your child’s safe return. 

Our family law team are consistently recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a top choice for family law and mediation in the UK.

We are praised for our holistic service, covering everything from high-value financial disputes to intricate children’s matters and cross-border legal issues.

This recognition is a testament to our team’s depth of knowledge and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. 

We understand that litigation can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining, especially when international elements are involved.

That’s why we offer comprehensive mediation and ADR services to help resolve disputes amicably.

Our team includes some of the most experienced mediators in the country, skilled in handling: 

• Traditional Mediation: Ideal for couples looking to settle financial or child-related matters without going to court. 

• Hybrid Mediation: A flexible approach that combines elements of traditional mediation and direct negotiations, particularly effective for complex international cases. 

• Specialist International Mediation: Tailored for cross-border disputes involving different jurisdictions, cultural considerations, and international legal complexities. 

Our mediators are praised for their fairness, clarity, and commitment to finding practical solutions that prioritise the well-being of all parties, especially children.

This approach often helps clients reach agreements faster, with less stress and better long-term outcomes. 

International family law cases often require coordinated legal action across multiple jurisdictions.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we have established a strong network of trusted overseas legal experts and professionals, including: 

• Foreign lawyers: We work closely with leading family law solicitors from other countries to provide seamless advice on jurisdictional matters. 

• Forensic accountants & investigators: Essential for tracing hidden assets, particularly in complex high-net-worth cases involving offshore accounts and foreign investments. 

• Child welfare experts: We collaborate with international child psychologists and welfare specialists to ensure the best interests of the child are prioritised in cross-border custody disputes. 

This global network allows us to offer comprehensive, well-rounded support tailored to your unique circumstances.

Whether you are facing a divorce involving assets in multiple countries, a dispute over child relocation, or need advice on complex jurisdictional issues, we have the resources and expertise to handle it effectively. 

At the heart of our service is a commitment to understanding your needs and goals.

We take a client-centred approach, offering tailored legal advice based on your specific circumstances.

Our team’s compassionate and supportive style helps clients feel at ease, even in the most challenging situations.

We take the time to understand your concerns and objectives, ensuring that our strategy aligns with what matters most to you. 

We provide clear, practical guidance that cuts through legal jargon, so you can make informed decisions with confidence

We use mediation and negotiation whenever possible to avoid lengthy court battles but prepared to litigate fiercely when necessary to protect your interests.