Family & Divorce

International Family Law

Home
Expertise
Family and Divorce
International Family Law

Our Approach

We work closely with expert lawyers in our Immigration, Private Client, Criminal and Real Estate teams to give comprehensive advice to clients

Much of our work involves international considerations, whether our clients or their partners live abroad, hold assets abroad or are considering relocating. London continues to be the destination of choice for international entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and their families. We regularly assist clients with international roots and we are very used to working with people from different cultures and backgrounds and provide a collaborative and personal service.

Many of our lawyers are fellows of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) or members of the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA), enjoying close links with foreign lawyers globally. This provides us with a strong network to provide cross-jurisdictional advice in relation to family law issues. We have a particular depth of experience in cases involving other European countries, the Middle East and the USA.

In our international cases, issues often arise such as immigration questions, property situated here or abroad, and succession or tax planning. We work closely with expert lawyers in our Immigration, Private Client, Criminal and Real Estate teams to give comprehensive advice to clients who benefit from the breadth of expertise in this firm. Together we can provide a joined-up service that offers clients the right solutions, whether at an urgent early stage, or later on once the main settlement has been achieved.

For more details about how our other departments advise on international issues please visit our dedicated page for international families.

A strong team ethic shines through at Kingsley Napley and there is ready support from across the whole team, whose assistance is always quick, accurate and reassuring.

Chambers and Partners _ 2025

Our Expertise

Our experience

Cross-border divorce: a case study of asset protection in the Bahamas
An Anglo-French divorce case study: jurisdiction, marriage contract and relocation
Acting for a UK national in a forum dispute between England and the USA, working closely with our private client team and international tax accountants in relation to potential US tax consequences of the divorce settlement.
Acting for a London based French national in a forum dispute between England and France, involving competing proceedings in France and England. Working closely with French lawyers acting in the competing French proceedings and other experts to resolve the case by agreement, avoiding protracted litigation in both jurisdictions.
Acting for an international CEO to bring divorce proceedings in England where assets were worldwide, including in USA, Canada and Eastern Europe. Working with our immigration team to secure investor visas for family members and with our corporate team to implement the financial settlement; coordinating corporate advice from multiple jurisdictions, re-negotiating shareholders’ agreements, trusts advice to ensure the children are financially provided for and international tax planning at every stage.
Acting for a Middle Eastern wife starting divorce proceedings in London to avoid the Sharia court of her home jurisdiction.

International Prenuptial Agreements

Advising a US/French national on the terms of a prenuptial agreement involving significant trust interests and dynastic wealth, obtaining advice for the client in France and the USA given future residence plans.
Advising a UK resident French national on the implications of a bespoke French marriage contract in the event of an English divorce. Working closely with a French lawyer to negotiate more favourable terms for the client.

International Expertise

We have dealt with international divorce and children cases involving the following jurisdictions. We have strong relationships with lawyers in these jurisdictions and in the family team, we have a number of foreign language speakers.

Antigua, Austria, Bermuda, Belgium, BVI, Canada, Caribbean, Cayman, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Jersey, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, UAE, USA.