International wealth calls for advice that works across every relevant jurisdiction.
Where a couple’s assets and interests span more than one country, the financial side of a divorce becomes considerably more complex. Property, businesses, investments, pensions and trusts may be spread across several jurisdictions, each with its own rules, and bringing them together into a fair and enforceable settlement takes real skill.
Our family solicitors advise on the financial aspects of international divorce, and are experienced at coordinating with lawyers and other advisers around the world so your settlement reflects, and can be enforced against, your position wherever it sits.
Divorce finances involving overseas assets
Assets held abroad still form part of the financial picture on an English divorce. Valuing them, obtaining proper disclosure, and dealing with the different legal and tax treatment in each country are all part of the work, as is deciding how best to divide or offset assets that sit in different places.
We help you build a complete and accurate picture of the international finances, working with valuers, accountants and lawyers in the relevant countries, so nothing important is missed.
Enforcing a settlement across borders
A financial settlement is only as good as your ability to enforce it. Where assets or a former spouse are abroad, additional steps may be needed to make sure an English order can take effect in another country, and to guard against assets being moved or hidden.
We think about enforcement from the outset, not as an afterthought, and coordinate with lawyers overseas to give your settlement real force wherever it needs to reach.
Assets or interests in more than one country?
Our family solicitors can talk it through with you and explain your options across the jurisdictions involved. There is no obligation, and early advice often makes the biggest difference.
Financial claims after a divorce abroad
It is not always widely known that, even where a couple has divorced in another country, one spouse may still be able to apply to the English courts for financial provision. This can be very important where the overseas divorce left someone without a fair financial outcome and there is a sufficient connection to England.
These claims require the court’s permission and careful handling, and there are time and jurisdictional considerations. If you have divorced abroad and are concerned about the financial settlement, we can advise on whether a claim in England may be open to you.
Working alongside lawyers and advisers overseas
Cross-border financial cases are a team effort. You may need family lawyers in another country, along with tax advisers, wealth managers, trustees and corporate lawyers, and their advice has to be joined up rather than given in isolation.
We are experienced at working as the central point in an international matter, coordinating overseas lawyers and advisers, briefing them, and making sure every piece of advice fits with the others. Where trusts, businesses or succession planning are involved, we also draw on our own Legacy and Property teams, so your divorce is handled with your whole position in view.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to assets held abroad in a divorce?
Assets held in other countries are still relevant to an English divorce and form part of the overall financial picture. Dealing with them involves valuation, disclosure, and understanding the legal and tax position in each country. We work with advisers in the relevant jurisdictions to make sure the full picture is captured and dealt with fairly.
Can I get a financial settlement in England after divorcing abroad?
Possibly. Even after a divorce obtained in another country, a spouse may be able to apply to the English courts for financial provision where there is a sufficient connection to England and the court gives permission. This can matter greatly where the overseas outcome was unfair. We can advise on whether such a claim is open to you.
How do you deal with lawyers in other countries?
We regularly coordinate cross-border cases, working alongside trusted family lawyers and other advisers abroad. We can help identify the right people, brief them, and act as your central point of contact so the advice from each country fits together into a single coherent strategy.
Questions about divorce or family law? Contact us now
Whether your divorce touches one other country or several, our family solicitors can help you understand your position and plan your next move.
