Europe: Family and Matrimonial

Expatriates and internationally mobile families in London often face complex questions about where divorce proceedings should take place. This article examines the legal framework governing jurisdiction in England and Wales, exploring when foreign nationals and expats can access these courts and how the choice of jurisdiction can significantly impact financial outcomes and other divorce-related matters.

UK parents considering overseas surrogacy face complex legal challenges around parenthood, immigration, and bringing their child home. This guide examines the critical legal framework governing cross-border surrogacy arrangements, from pre-conception planning through parental orders and nationality requirements, highlighting why early legal advice is essential to navigate multiple jurisdictions and avoid unexpected complications.

Surrogacy Arrangements abroad have become increasingly popular over the years due to the affordability and relative ease of access to surrogates via commercial arrangements. In England and Wales, commercial surrogacy is prohibited. While payments beyond reasonable expenses are not generally permitted, the court retains the power to retrospectively authorise payments made in overseas surrogacy arrangements when considering a parental order.

When someone dies the task of administering the estate usually falls to their grieving friends and relatives. Often the people who knew the deceased are the people best placed to act as their executors. But sometimes things go wrong, money disappears, decisions are made that should never have been made, and by the time beneficiaries realise the full picture, the estate has suffered losses that may be significant.

UK executors and beneficiaries dealing with US assets face significant delays in obtaining IRS Transfer Certificates, with waiting times now extending to two or three years. This comprehensive FAQ addresses the critical questions surrounding Form 706-NA applications, US estate tax requirements, and the practical challenges of administering estates containing US shares and investments when the deceased was not a US citizen.

One of the most striking findings from the recent Global Family Business Think Tank was the near unanimity among experts that inheritance disputes pose a serious threat to family enterprises. Ninety five per cent of contributors agreed that disputes over inheritance represent a major risk to continuity.

An expert panel chaired by HHJ Hess examines the Government's proposals for reforming financial remedies, cohabitation, and inheritance law in England and Wales. Leading practitioners and academics discuss the implications of the Fairer End to Relationships consultation, bringing together diverse perspectives on these significant proposed changes to family law. The panel features specialists in pensions on divorce, financial remedies, and trust and estates law, offering insights into how these reforms could

The UK Government's consultation 'A Fairer End to Relationships' proposes significant reforms to family finance law, addressing financial remedies on divorce, cohabitation rights, and inheritance provision. Leading family law organizations and practitioners have responded with both support and concerns about codification, equal sharing principles, needs hierarchies, and protections for vulnerable parties and children.

When relationships break down after holidays, couples with international connections face complex legal challenges involving different nationalities, overseas property, and cross-border assets. Understanding jurisdiction, financial arrangements, and children's welfare becomes crucial when navigating divorce across multiple countries.