Europe: Family and Matrimonial

When a relationship or marriage comes to an end, decisions concerning children are often the most sensitive and challenging issues parents must address.

Cyprus divorce law has evolved from a traditional fault-based system to a modern framework that increasingly emphasises consensual resolution and the protection of children's welfare. The Family Courts now offer both contested litigation and joint divorce applications, with growing emphasis on mediation and cooperative dispute resolution.

UK citizens owning property in European countries like Spain, Italy, or France face complex succession laws that differ significantly from British inheritance rules. Many European jurisdictions enforce mandatory inheritance portions for relatives that cannot be easily overridden, potentially conflicting with your intended estate distribution. Understanding these forced heirship rules and creating jurisdiction-specific wills becomes essential for ensuring your overseas assets pass to your chosen beneficiarie