Blog
Anglo French divorce – misconceptions and the Judgment of Paris
Claire Wood
"One of the best family departments in London. The firm as a whole provides a "Rolls-Royce" service, with particular expertise in cases with an international/multi-jurisdictional element."
Legal 500 UK, The Client's Guide to Law Firms
FRENCH VERSION / VERSION FRANÇAISE
We provide a specialist family expertise to separating couples and families with Anglo-French connections. This is widely recognised as the leading service of its kind in England.
French speakers in the team include partner Will Macfarlane, Legal Director Claire Wood and solicitors Colleen Hall and Nevin Rosenberg who all represent French clients and advise in Anglo-French cases, sometimes involving proceedings in both the English and French courts. Charlotte Bradley also has a substantial French practice and is recognised in the legal directories for her expertise in international cases.
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 in French speaking countries including France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Monaco.
We can help you to resolve disputes regarding divorce, PACS or disputes between unmarried couples, whether there are aspects relating to finance, children or both. We also regularly advise on the preparation of prenuptial agreements and marriage contracts involving French couples who live in, or are planning to move to, London. Our clients are diverse but include many professionals from the financial sector, entrepreneurs and high profile clients from the world of media and sport.
We routinely advise in cases with important points of law or where clients have substantial assets. We will discuss the right strategy with you whether negotiated, or where necessary court based to secure the best outcome. We are expert at giving advice to secure the best jurisdiction, having a solid understanding of the divorce process in France and strong connections with foreign lawyers who can give comparative advice quickly.
We are experts in cross border children cases, in particular cases where one party wishes to return or move to France with a child or children. If there is a dispute about the children when a relationship breaks down, whether or not the parents are married, the child’s country of residence at the time proceedings are issued will in most cases be where the proceedings take place. We give early strategic advice on the right steps to maximise your chances of successfully bringing or defending an application to relocate with children.
Our experience
- An Anglo-French divorce case study: jurisdiction, marriage contract and relocation
- V v W (Jurisdiction: Dissolution of Pacte Civil de Solidarité) [2024] EWFC 111 – Jurisdiction and forum conveniens dispute in respect of a French pacte civil de solidarité, successfully obtaining an order dismissing the applicant’s dissolution application on the grounds that he was domiciled in France at the time the application was made. France also found to be the more convenient and appropriate forum, in the event that the Court had found it did have jurisdiction to entertain the application.
WHAT IS SAID ABOUT US
Rolls-Royce service and particularly good when there's a European element to the case"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
A standout firm"
Legal 500 UK
Professional yet sympathetic manner and the team always fights hard to defend your interests"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"I think they are excellent if cases involve an international element," says a source; "very efficient, provide comprehensive advice – sensible lawyers and a trusted set of hands."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018
"It's a team that has a great breadth of experience across the board and particularly in international cases."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"I always think of them as having a Rolls-Royce service but they are particularly good when there's a European element to the case."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"Very strong litigation practice, with some of the best up-and-coming stars of tomorrow"
Legal 500 UK
"A standout firm"
Legal 500 UK
Professional yet sympathetic manner and the team always fights hard to defend your interests"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
For more information in relation to Anglo-French cases please contact Charlotte Bradley, Claire Wood, or a member of our team on +44 (0)20 7814 1200.
They made a very difficult time much easier to deal with. Their professionalism kept me sane and focused on the outcome I needed"
Client
It's a team that has a great breadth of experience across the board and particularly in international cases"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
All have been excellent and have shown great diligence and practicality, along with sensitivity during a very difficult time in my life"
Client
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