Family law, relationships, separation & divorce: thoughts & comment
How prenuptial agreements are viewed varies across the globe. In many countries, they are a common step taken ahead of marriage, in others they are almost unheard of. Some EU countries enable a couple to elect a specific “matrimonial property” regime, which governs how their assets will be divided on divorce. For international couples who... Continue Reading →
As fans of the long-running rural soap “The Archers” will know, Helen Archer’s partner, Lee, has two pre-teen girls. His ex-wife (mother of his daughters), has been offered a job in the USA and has moved permanently with them. Despite this initially upsetting Lee, he decided to agree to the move and hopes the girls... Continue Reading →
Moving abroad is a huge decision which can often challenge even the most stable of relationships. If things don’t work out, facing a separation whilst away from everything that is familiar to you can be extremely daunting. The emotional and psychological impact of separation can be very difficult to deal with without this support network.... Continue Reading →
Earlier this week, I wrote about parents' concerns surrounding Covid-19 and what the Government’s lockdown plan would mean for their child arrangements. However what has become clear from speaking to clients old, existing and new is that for many, matters have not been quite as straight forward as simply keeping arrangements going as usual (on... Continue Reading →
Moving abroad is a huge decision which can often challenge even the most stable of relationships. Life in a new country can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Establishing a new social network can be challenging. If things don't work out, facing a separation whilst away from everything that is familiar to you can... Continue Reading →
The Brexit referendum takes place on 23 June. I can't help but look at this with my "family lawyer" hat on and consider what the implications would be for my day-to-day practice and my clients, whether based in England or abroad. Many international families would inevitably be affected by changes to our laws as a... Continue Reading →
Following a separation, people’s lives can often move in very different directions and this can or will often have huge implications for their children. This is especially so if a new partner or new job means that one parent is looking at moving further afield, perhaps to a different part of the UK or abroad.... Continue Reading →
In the first international child abduction case involving same-sex parents, the Supreme Court has decided that the English court still has jurisdiction to make decisions about the welfare of a child (B) who was taken to live in Pakistan by her biological mother. The decision in Re B (A Child) (Habitual Residence: Inherent Jurisdiction) [2016]... Continue Reading →
As more and more of us are working abroad, travelling and making connections across different continents, the international family is rapidly becoming part of the modern landscape. On separation, many people think about moving abroad, whether to return to the country where they grew up, for a fresh start or to live with a new... Continue Reading →
Spending time living abroad is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families, whether to work and enjoy an "expat" lifestyle, or to travel and explore the world and other cultures. Many couples will make the decision to move abroad as a family whilst others may move abroad to live with a new partner. If... Continue Reading →
Picking up the pieces 