International Divorce

Applying for a divorce

When a relationship breaks down, it can be difficult to come to terms with.

Dealing with legal issues is often the last thing on your mind, especially if you don’t really want the relationship to come to an end.

Here at Austin Kemp, we often talk to clients who have waited to see us until many weeks or months after separating from their spouse. Although whether you are the petitioner (the person who starts the divorce proceedings) or the respondent usually makes no different in English courts, this may not be the case in every country throughout the world.

We also see people whose spouse has begun divorce proceedings abroad. By the time these clients come to see us, it is often too late to begin proceedings in the UK, where the outcome could have been more favourable for them.

Sometimes, it is important to act quickly and seek legal advice, especially if you are an expat and aren’t sure which jurisdiction or jurisdictions you could be eligible to divorce in.

In some instances, it is whichever country that issues the divorce petition first, that the divorce ends up going through in.

If you think there may be international elements to your divorce, it is highly recommended that you speak to an experienced solicitor as soon as possible. Our solicitors are happy to advise clients at all stages of the divorce process, even if you are not yet sure that you want the divorce to go ahead.

Speak to us for more information.