Knowledge and resources

The International Committee aims to encourage, improve and promote good practice in the field of international family law.

International Family Law Handbook is an indispensable guide for family lawyers covering all aspects of international family law. It is comprehensive and authoritative while also being accessible and practical for the busy family law professional.  

This conference set out the fundamental differences and similarities between three of the biggest European jurisdictions when it comes to international children disputes

Potanina v Potanin [2024] UKSC 3 provides clearer guidance on the threshold test required to obtain leave prior to proceedings, but the dissenting judgment of Lord Briggs raises a number of questions

The case of Hussain v Parveen (Queen's Proctor intervening) highlights the points to be considered in terms of recognition of foreign divorces – and opens up a number of wider issues about Islamic divorces generally.

As international and post-Brexit issues become ever more important for family practitioners, those who missed this workshop at the National Conference may well wish to seek it out on the members website. Resolution’s International Committee cantered through the key issues: divorce and finances jurisdiction/stays, pre-marital agreements, recognition and enforcement issues, children jurisdiction and international service.

Divorces with a foreign element continue to rise, and in uncertain economic times, locating and valuing assets can require specialist input.

The dynamic session on international cohabitation was a highlight of Resolution's National Conference. Chaired by Graeme Fraser of OGR Stock Denton LLP, chair of the Cohabitation Committee, the workshop consisted of a cross-border comparative exercise which was of great help to practitioners and those trying to push for legislative change in this mistreated area of the law.

This workshop focused on the domestic law of marriage; the recognition of foreign marriages and divorces; and the possibility of making a Part III claim under the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (MFPA 1984). It was delivered by Tom Dance, Philip Marshall QC and James Roberts QC of 1KBW.

The new Scottish measures have similarities with and differences from E&W, Canada, Australia and NZ. One key point is the move to hear the voice of the child.

Resolution has worked with The Law Society on a note to assist family lawyers in England and Wales ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period in relation to divorce and finance cases, and domestic abuse cases. We have also worked with the Association of Lawyers for Children on a note for children practitioners.

With the number of international cases ever on the rise, a broad familiarity with other marital regimes can help to remind practitioners of the key issues.

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 further to the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020. The implementation period runs to 31 December 2020.  

This webinar discussion explores international perspectives on the current practice of family mediation.

This webinar considered family court closures internationally across six jurisdictions in the response to Covid-19 and how each is providing access to justice.