UK Divorce Guide for the Expat Community
FEAR NOT! ST. GEORGE CAN STILL PROTECT YOU! ENGLISH LAW TO THE RESCUE
With couples seeking the sunnier weather, the chance to experience different lifestyles and the promise of greater work opportunities, it is no wonder that 300,000 people emigrated from the United Kingdom last year. There can be an array of challenges for those who have chosen life as expats but the breakdown of a marriage is often the most challenging.
There remains a common misconception by many expats that because they have left the United Kingdom, they are no longer able to obtain a Divorce under English law. The good news is that in many cases you will be able to choose English law to obtain a Divorce and achieve the result you want within a system that is often much quicker, cheaper and more effective than your local jurisdiction.
Read on for more information!
Can you divorce in England and Wales?
This will depend on your ‘Domicile’ and ‘Habitual Residence’.
“Domicile” is the place where a person has their closest ties, usually where they live, work, arrange their finances and call home. A person can only be Domiciled in one country at a time. Domicile is acquired at birth and a person will retain that Domicile unless or until they choose another country as their Domicile.
“Habitual Residence” is considered to be the place where a person resides regularly with the purpose of settling down for a significant period of time. A person may only be habitually resident in one place at a time.
