International Family Law Solicitors

International family law is a legal area dedicated to issues that may arise for international families, including parental child abduction, finances, child residency and contact, and international divorce. This legal area can be highly complex, so if you need to resolve international family matters, it is important to seek advice.

Our specialist international family law solicitors at Watkins Solicitors can offer support across all related legal areas, such as:

• Parental child abduction advice: where one parent has removed a child from the country without permission, or there are concerns that this may happen
• Child arrangements: assisting you to come to an agreement on child residency, child contact and child maintenance issues
• International divorce settlements: considering jurisdiction, assets, and securing a financial agreement to meet your needs

Contact our international family law solicitors in Bristol, Bath, Hereford and Evesham

For specialist advice and support with international family law, please get in touch with our international family law solicitors today.

We support clients from our offices in Bristol (Southville and Fishponds), Bath, Hereford and Evesham, as well as serving clients across the rest of the UK. Give us a call or email us at info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.

Our solicitors will communicate in a way that suits your needs and preferences, whether that’s in person, by phone, video conferencing or email.

Why choose Watkins as your international family solicitors?

We appreciate that family legal issues can be extremely emotional and stressful. We also know that when clients approach us, they are likely confused about their legal position and options. Drawing upon our extensive knowledge and skill, we can ensure that your legal matters are handled as sensitively and constructively as possible.

When you work with us, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a highly experienced team. We always ensure that we get a detailed understanding of our client’s needs, meaning we can tailor our support to you personally.

Thanks to our excellent team, we have a wonderful reputation in the family legal sector. Our family solicitors are members of Resolution, and some of our team are on the Law Society’s Specialist Panel.

Beyond our day-to-day legal work, we are dedicated to engaging in our local community, getting involved in charity projects. To find out more about our legal team, get in touch with our international family lawyers in the UK.

How our international family law solicitors can help

International Child Abduction – Hague Convention Cases

At Watkins Solicitors, we specialise in Hague Convention cases involving international parental child abduction. These cases arise when one parent removes or retains a child in another country without the consent of the other parent or guardian, or against the terms of a court order.

How We Can Help in Hague Convention Cases

• Immediate Advice and Action: If you suspect or are aware that your child has been taken abroad without your consent, we provide immediate legal advice to help you act quickly. Timing is critical in these cases.
   
• Navigating the Hague Convention Process: The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty designed to ensure the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence. Our experienced team will guide you through this process, liaising with the relevant central authorities, courts, and international legal bodies.
   
• Preventative Measures: If you are concerned that your child may be removed from the UK without your consent, we can help you seek court orders to prevent this, such as Prohibited Steps Orders or Passport Seizure Orders.
   
• Defending Hague Applications: In cases where an application for a child's return has been made against you, we offer clear advice and representation to help you defend your position, particularly if there are concerns for the child’s safety.

Our international family law specialists have a strong track record in representing parents across England and Wales in Hague Convention cases, working to protect the best interests of children and their families.

International child arrangements

Where an international couple get divorced, there may be specific issues regarding any children involved. For example, child custody can often cause conflict, particularly where the parties do not live the in same country, or where a parent plans to move back to their home country.

We have helped families to make international child arrangements in a wide variety of complex situations, and can provide assistance in the following ways:

• Supporting international families to arrange where their children will live, and how child contact will take place between the children and the non-residential parent
• Assistance to resolve issues relating to child maintenance, and how both parents will financially contribute to a children’s upbringing
• Support with parental child abduction issues, where a parent has removed their child from the country without permission, or there are concerns that this situation may arise

What our clients say about us

“Watkins Solicitors helped me through two extremely difficult periods in my life. Both cases were successful. I will continue to recommend Watkins Solicitors to my family, friends, and work colleagues. I can't thank them enough, for what they have done. It has been life changing!”

“Our experience of Watkins solicitors was simply excellent. The advice we were given prior to the hearing was superb, and we were able to action all of their suggestions in good time. Emma was diligent in her research, and would always reply to our questions whilst putting us at ease. Come the day of the hearing, Beverley was exactly the right person to have representing us. She was strong, confident, and absolutely focussed on what was important.”

“The whole team at Watkins Solicitors were professional, helpful, and friendly. They responded to any queries in a timely manner. They were approachable and nothing was too much trouble. I am happy to highly recommend them.”

International family law fees

At Watkins Solicitors, we understand that clients need a price break down of their legal costs as early as possible. Our legal fees will depend on the type of legal support needed, and the specific case.

In some cases, we are able to offer fixed fees. Where matters are more complicated, and require various stages and levels of support, we are likely to offer clients our competitive hourly rate.

After gauging an understanding of your situation, we will give an accurate estimate.

Frequently asked questions about international family law

What is an international divorce?

If you are living in a country, and you decide to make a divorce application in a different country to where you are currently living, this counts as an international divorce. Alternatively, it may be that a couple who are getting divorced are not currently living in the same country, or, where one or both partners currently lives abroad.

How long does international divorce take?

How long an international divorce takes will depend on the circumstances. An average time frame is between 4 and 6 months, though the process is likely to take longer if there are ongoing issues and complications.

Working with an expert solicitor from the very beginning will greatly improve your chances of experiencing a fast divorce process, with minimal setbacks.

Can I divorce in the UK if I live abroad?

Yes, if you are living abroad, you will still be able to get divorced in the UK, providing that certain eligibility requirements are met.

The jurisdictional requirements to apply for a divorce in the UK include:

• Either of the spouses are considered domiciled in England or Wales
• Both partners need to be deemed as ‘habitually resident’ in either England or in Wales
• Both partners were deemed ‘habitually resident’ in either England or in Wales, and now one of the spouses still lives there

What is parental child abduction?

Parental child abduction means that a parent takes their child out of the country without first having the permission of the other parent who has parental responsibility, or if appropriate, the permission of the Court.

This situation may occur where a couple has split up and one parent wishes to move away, or return to their home country, and wants to take the children with them.

Child abduction is considered a criminal offence. You should not take your child out of the country without permission of their other parent, or anyone else with parental responsibility, unless you explicitly have the legal right to do so.

Our experts can offer in-depth advice on these matters, and any other children law matter arising from international divorce.

Contact our international family law solicitors in Bristol, Bath and Hereford

For specialist advice and support with international family law, please get in touch with our international family law solicitors today.

We support clients from our offices in Bristol (Southville and Fishponds), Bath and Hereford, as well as serving clients across the rest of the UK. Give us a call or email us at info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.

Our solicitors will communicate in a way that suits your needs and preferences, whether that’s in person, by phone, video conferencing or email.