International Marriages

In the modern world it is common for husbands and wives to have different nationalities. Even where they have the same nationality they may have married abroad and lived for extensive periods abroad. They may have property and pension rights elsewhere. Sometimes it is hard to say if a ceremony in one country will be accepted as marriage in another. It is vital to obtain good advice early on.


You have to be sure that you start proceedings in the right country because otherwise you risk wasting money or worse. The repercussions of a wrong choice can extend to children issues, property settlements and maintenance. We have extensive experience of guiding clients through the problems.

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Brookman Solicitors - International Divorce

International Marriages

International Marriages - Scenario Analysis Example #1

Mrs K consulted us. She was a UK citizen and married a Venezuelan 20 years ago. They had entered into a standard pre-nuptial agreement. They left Venezuela 3 years later and had since lived in the U.K. Her husband had returned to Venezuela. The two children were with her. He claimed that under Venezuelan law and pursuant to the pre-nuptial agreement they could only divorce there. However this was a difficult and lengthy process. She wished to re-marry and wondered if a "quickie" Haitian divorce would be the answer.

Our Solution:
A Haitian divorce would not be accepted in England. There was a choice between England (because she lived here) or Venezuela (because her husband lived there). However if she accepted Venezuela there could be difficulty concerning maintenance for the children, and other financial repercussions. We consulted a Venezuelan lawyer to cross-check and then chose to start proceedings in England. She obtained a divorce within six months and retained the house in England.


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What our clients are saying:

RT - USA

"I would like to take this opportunity to express a sincere thank you to Mr Brookman and his team for their most professional advice and first class service."