International Divorce in the UK
It may be that you wish to end an unhappy marriage or you may have received a divorce petition from your spouse. Whatever has happened, it is completely natural to start worrying about the future, your finances, your home and your children. If you are divorcing in another country, different laws will apply to making your financial settlement final, so it’s important to seek expert legal advice. At IMD Solicitors our international divorce lawyers are here to help.
- You married abroad and are considering divorce in the UK?
- You or your spouse live abroad?
- You have children and you or your spouse are considering relocation?
- You or your spouse have assets abroad?
We can advise and help you throughout the process. Contact Our International Divorce Solicitors based in London, Manchester and Birmingham
Our expert family law solicitors are ready to help. To arrange an initial consultation about divorce with an international family lawyer call us on 0330 107 0107 or request a free call back today.
International Divorce

Our specialist international divorce solicitors will help you every step of the way during this difficult time. Our divorce team are experienced in divorce proceedings with an international element and financial settlements.
The UK Divorce Process
In order to apply for a divorce, you no longer need to provide proof that your marriage has broken down. What this means is that you no longer need to base your divorce application on grounds such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour etc. Under the new divorce law (which came into force in April 2022), the person initiating the divorce process, no longer has to blame their spouse for the breakdown of their marriage.
You may even file a joint divorce application, should you wish to do so and, if you are still on amicable terms, can have one solicitor acting for both of you.
Divorce Proceedings in the UK If Married Abroad
Divorce proceedings can be brought in the UK, regardless of where the marriage took place (i.e abroad). However, to file a divorce application in the UK, one of the following must apply:
- Both spouses live in England or Wales with the intention of permanent residence
- Both spouses have lived in England or Wales with the intention of permanent residence, and one of you still lives here
- The spouse that has filed the divorce petition lives in England or Wales and has the intention of permanent residence
- The spouse that has filed the divorce petition has lived in England or Wales for at least 12 months
The Divorce Process when you or your spouse live abroad
The first crucial step is to assess jurisdiction, as the UK courts have the authority to hear your divorce case if you or your spouse are “habitually resident” in either England and Wales. We will carefully evaluate your circumstances to determine if the UK courts have jurisdiction in your specific situation.
Once jurisdiction is established, we will assist you in filing the divorce petition with the appropriate UK court. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that all necessary information is included, outlining the grounds for divorce and addressing any financial or child-related matters that may be relevant.
When your spouse resides abroad, serving the divorce documents becomes a vital consideration. Our skilled team is well-versed in international service procedures, ensuring that your spouse is properly notified of the divorce proceedings in accordance with legal requirements.
Upon receiving the divorce petition, your spouse will have the opportunity to respond within a specified timeframe. We will guide you through this process, handling any contestations that may arise and working towards a resolution that protects your rights and interests.
If the court determines that there are sufficient grounds for divorce or your spouse does not contest the proceedings, a decree nisi will be granted. This provisional decree signifies the court’s intention to dissolve the marriage, setting the stage for the next steps.
In addition to the divorce itself, we understand the significance of addressing financial settlements and child custody arrangements. Our compassionate lawyers will work diligently to safeguard your financial interests and ensure the best possible outcome for any children involved, navigating any complexities that arise due to the international nature of your case.
Finally, after a specified period from the decree nisi, we will assist you in applying for the decree absolute, the final decree of divorce. This legally dissolves the marriage, granting both parties the freedom to pursue new beginnings.
Navigating the process of divorce in the UK when one or both spouses live abroad requires skilled legal guidance.
Financial issues and settlements when assets are located abroad
If you need expert advice about the division of matrimonial assets and financial settlement proceedings, particularly if you have assets (properties, land, investments, businesses) located outside of the UK, click here to visit our financial issues and settlements web page to find out more.
International Children matters and contact disputes
If you are unable to agree on the arrangements with the other parent and need advice on the options available, we are happy to help. We always aim to ensure that any issues as to where your children should live or what contact they should have with the other parent are resolved in the best interest of the child. We have particular expertise in cases with an international element, such as international child relocation or abduction. Click here to visit our international children matters and contact disputes web page to find out more.
Want to know more?
Read some of our articles below:
- Romanian Citizens Filing for Divorce in the UK
- Domestic Abuse Victims in Divorce Proceedings
- Registering a UK Divorce in Romania and other EU countries
- International Divorce Proceedings: A Case Study on Jurisdiction and Urgency
- Can you get a divorce without going to court in the UK?
- Navigating the complexities of divorce across borders
- Should I get divorced in Romania or in the UK?
Contact Our International Divorce Lawyers at our London, Manchester or Birmingham offices
To talk to a member of our specialist international divorce team, call us on 0330 107 0107 or request a free call back today.
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