International child & family solicitors

A sensitive yet resolute approach to your children’s welfare in an international divorce or relationship breakdown, providing legal advice and support that is tailored to your situation.

Who your children will live with, and where, is one of the most critical decisions that will be made in a situation where the separating parents may live in different countries or spend time in more than one country. This is commonly referred to as an international divorce. If you and your ex-partner cannot agree the arrangements between you, you will need expert legal support to secure the outcome you want.

When a family relationship breaks down, one of the most sensitive issues is the children’s welfare and how much time they will spend with each parent.

If you are living abroad, you may want to bring your children back to their country of origin, whether that’s to England or to another jurisdiction. This is where an international divorce can be particularly emotionally charged, as deciding where you are going to live and how much time your children will have with you (historically referred to as access or contact) is even more complex.

It may mean you and your children have to travel from one country to another, just to see each other. International relocation of children can be complex, as legislation in the other country may differ from the laws of England and Wales on the matter. To help achieve the best outcome for you and your children, you will need the assistance of an experienced international child relocation solicitor.

How Moore Barlow can help

Here at Moore Barlow, we can provide you with expert advice and support tailored to your family situation. We understand that international cases involving children and where they will live (previously termed custody or residence) can be complex, which is where our specialist team of international family law solicitors can help. With years of experience with extensive knowledge of cases involving countries across the world, we will approach your case with the sensitivity and professionalism it requires.

Our service offering is wide, covering international child arrangements, international child relocation, child abduction and enforcement of foreign financial orders on behalf of children. We understand that these types of international cases involving children need to be handled differently, due to the sensitive issues, which is why we at Moore Barlow can offer a client experience catered to the needs of you and your family.

How does international relocation work?

International relocation of children can be complicated, but separated couples can usually come to an arrangement that works for the family, when they have the legal support needed to ensure that everyone’s interests are taken into account.

In whichever country you want to move to with your children, you will need either your ex-partner’s agreement or legal authority. This may have to be decided by a court in the country where the children are habitually resident. In assessing in which country, the case may be heard a court will consider where your children have lived, have their social ties and where they have been educated for most of the time.

Your children’s views will also be taken into account and the older they are, the greater their influence in these decisions. For expert international child relocation advice, the team at Moore Barlow can help you at every stage of the process.

What is international child abduction?

International child abduction refers to the removal or retention of a child across international borders in breach of the rights of the other parent or the person with parental responsibility. This can cause significant emotional and legal difficulties for all involved, and international treaties and agreements may be used to return the child to their country of habitual residence.

What is international child relocation?

International child relocation refers to the movement of a child from one country to another, typically involving a parent who is relocating to a different country for work or personal reasons. The process of international child relocation often involves legal and logistical challenges, as it can be complex to navigate different countries’ laws and regulations regarding child custody and support.

Contact us

You can trust our approach to be understanding and sympathetic to you and your children’s needs, we will be resolute and determined on your behalf to achieve the desired result for you and your child. We will do everything to support you throughout the process.

If your ex-partner suddenly takes your child or children to another country without your consent, this is child abduction. Our team of experienced international child abduction solicitors can help you with a swift legal response to ensure their safe return.

With offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking, we offer specialist support to clients nationally and internationally. Contact us for more information on how we can help.

If you require legal advice or help concerning the law regarding international relocation of children, or any other queries related to international family law, contact the Moore Barlow team today.