Many people facing the breakdown of marriage find that their situation has an international element. This could be because, for example:
- their marriage took place abroad;
- either one or both members of the couple were born in a country other than England; or
- they have lived for some, or all of their married life, in a county other than England.
If there are international elements, it is crucial to think through the possible implications of these aspects early on – and sometimes urgently – before deciding how best to deal with the breakdown.
(References to English law are actually to the law applicable in England and Wales. Scottish law – including that dealing with divorce, financial arrangements and arrangements for children on divorce – is different.)