Enforcement of foreign family law & divorce orders

Our team of experienced international family law lawyers is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of enforcing foreign family law orders.

We provide tailored advice and representation to ensure that our clients’ rights are protected and their interests are safeguarded.

A foreign order or judgement may be issued in one jurisdiction in an international divorce case to secure assets in another jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions have reciprocal arrangements with the UK or treaties that make the enforcement of foreign orders easier, but if such arrangements do not exist, it can be more complex to resolve.

Our family law specialists are experienced in dealing with enforcement of foreign orders, and we will help guide you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Why might you need to enforce foreign court orders?

There are several reasons why you might require the services of an experienced solicitor to help with the enforcement of foreign orders. The assets secured by the courts of England and Wales may be based in a different country for example, and one may need help navigating how to secure those assets, or there may be an order from another country that you need enforcing against assets here such as property or business assets.

In an international divorce, a foreign court order may be required to achieve a fair settlement covering all the assets or to enforce child arrangements.

If you wish to enforce foreign court orders relating to a separation, divorce, or child arrangements, then we strongly recommend you seek the assistance of an experienced specialist lawyer. At Moore Barlow, we have an expert team of solicitors who have vast experience operating in international family law.

How do you enforce a foreign order in the UK?

The UK has reciprocal arrangements with a number of other countries to enforce foreign orders. For UK divorces with overseas assets, such as property and pensions, the situation is more complex. For example, an order made in the courts of England or Wales to enforce a property sale or transfer may not be recognised in the country where the property is located. If you are issuing a divorce in the UK but have property abroad, you may need expert legal help to make sure that your best interests are represented in the arrangements made.

Similarly, if your divorce has been secured abroad, you may need a subsequent order from the courts in England and Wales to deal with UK-based assets. There are certain statutory criteria that need to be satisfied before a court here will accept an application, and much depends on your connection with the UK.