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International Divorce Lawyers in Manchester, London & Dubai

London is widely regarded as one of the most favourable jurisdictions in the world for divorcing parties, particularly where there are significant assets. Its reputation for transparency, judicial expertise and equitable financial remedies means that establishing jurisdiction in England and Wales (if you are eligible) can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Nayyars Solicitors advises on international divorce from our offices in Manchester, London and Dubai. Our team is multi-lingual and has extensive experience of cases involving clients from across the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. We advise on jurisdiction, habitual residence, cross-border asset division, and international pension rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Establishing the right jurisdiction is often the most important early decision in an international divorce. England and Wales can take jurisdiction over a divorce if any of the following apply at the time the application is made:

  • Both parties are habitually resident in England and Wales.
  • Both parties were last habitually resident in England and Wales, and one still is.
  • The respondent is habitually resident in England and Wales.
  • The petitioner is habitually resident in England and Wales and has resided there for at least one year immediately before the application.
  • The petitioner is domiciled and has resided in England and Wales for at least six months before the application.
  • Both parties are domiciled in England and Wales.

In some cases, it may be possible to issue proceedings in more than one country. Which jurisdiction proceeds first, and which is more financially favourable, can make a very significant difference to the outcome. We advise on this question at the outset.

Habitual residence is determined by where you live on a settled basis: it is a factual test based on your centre of life, including where you work, where your children are schooled, and where you maintain your social life. Domicile is a different concept: it broadly means the country you regard as your permanent home and intend to return to. You can be habitually resident in England while remaining domiciled in another country.

International divorces frequently involve assets spread across multiple jurisdictions: overseas property, foreign bank accounts, internationally held pensions, and business interests in different countries. We advise on the treatment of international assets in English proceedings and, where pensions held abroad are involved, work with specialist pension advisers to ensure they are properly valued and divided.

Where a divorce has been concluded in another country but you have assets or connections in England and Wales, it may be possible to apply to the English courts for financial relief under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984. We advise on the eligibility for and merits of such applications.

Our offices in Manchester, London and Dubai, combined with our multi-lingual team, mean we are particularly well placed to advise clients with connections to the UK, the Middle East and South Asia. We understand the cultural and legal context on both sides of these cases and work with trusted international law firms where local legal input is needed.

Get expert advice on international divorce

Call us on 0333 123 1331 or complete our contact form. All enquiries are treated in strict confidence.

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We offer a free, no obligation 30-minute chat with one of our specialist divorce lawyers to all new clients.
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