Does it matter which country I get divorced in? =============================================== Does jurisdiction matter? ------------------------- Yes, it absolutely does matter which jurisdiction you get divorced in, particularly if you are a high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth individual. Divorce law varies considerably from country to country, and this can have a huge bearing on the outcome of your divorce. Ensuring your divorce is heard in the right jurisdiction can significantly influence the financial and personal outcomes of the proceedings. Compared to other countries, the English courts have far more power to demand disclosure. They will make a wealthy party show the full extent of their assets, including business holdings, investments and trusts. The courts also have significant powers to enforce their orders, including freezing assets and, in the extreme cases, sending people to prison if they refuse to co-operate with the courts. **If you are considering or going through a divorce with an international element, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") As well as having greater powers in relation to asset discovery, the English courts view marriage as a partnership. This means that they will not discriminate between the person who makes the money and the person who looks after the home and children when it comes to dividing assets. Generally, this leads to a more generous settlement for financially weaker parties. In addition to these advantages, the English courts are renowned for being transparent and free of corruption. If your spouse is politically powerful, your best chance of a fair hearing may well be in England. To have your case heard in the English courts, you will need to [establish jurisdiction](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction/establishing-jurisdiction-grounds-divorce). Generally speaking, this will depend on where you have been living ("habitual residence") or where you are domiciled (NB: this is not necessarily where you are domiciled for taxation purposes). Jurisdiction can be extremely complicated, and often time sensitive. If you are uncertain whether your divorce could be heard in the UK, it is important to take advice and to act quickly. The complexities of international divorce law, including the legal tests for domicile and habitual residence, underscore the need for specialist advice from experienced family lawyers. About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) Related Guides -------------- [Can I get divorced in the UK as an expat?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction/can-i-get-divorced-in-the-uk-as-an-expat "Can I get divorced in the UK as an expat?") [Establishing jurisdiction & UK grounds for divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction/establishing-jurisdiction-grounds-divorce "Establishing jurisdiction & UK grounds for divorce") [The Ultimate Guide to Jurisdiction in Divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction/jurisdiction-on-divorce "The Ultimate Guide to Jurisdiction in Divorce") Glossary Reference ------------------ ### Disclosure The provision of information. In financial remedy proceedings, parties are required to disclose evidence of their financial circumstances. ### Domicile (in divorce proceedings) A complex legal term. A person can only have one domicile. A person's domicile can be their 'domicile of origin' which they are born with or 'domicile of choice', the place they elect to reside. It is common for the domicile of choice to replace domicile of origin when a person moves to another country with the intention to settle there permamently. Domicile is an important factor in determining jurisdiction. ### Habitual residence in divorce cases The country where a person's "centre of interest" lies ### Jurisdiction in divorce cases The court must have 'jurisdiction' in order to hear a case. Jurisdiction is a complex legal principle, but will largely depend on the parties links to a particular country. The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. 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Sandip Kotecha OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM ------------------- [### Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [### Stephen Bence](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [### David Lister](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [### Ayesha Vardag Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")"Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." The Telegraph [### Stephen Bence Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")"Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius." Lewis Marks KC [### David Lister Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")"Brilliant with a real spark which clients love" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team) [Vardags climbs ranks of UK's biggest firms in The Lawyer's UK 200](https://vardags.com/posts/vardags-london-climbs-ranks-of-uks-biggest-firms-in-the-lawyers-uk-200)