The UK or Germany: Where should I divorce? ========================================== Vardags is a leading international divorce law firm representing high net worth (HNW) and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals with ties to both Germany and the United Kingdom. When multiple countries have jurisdiction over a divorce, the key question becomes: Which [jurisdiction](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction) offers the most favourable financial settlement? In HNW and UHNW divorce cases, it is essential that [financial settlement](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement) proceedings occur in the jurisdiction that most benefits your position. For financially weaker spouses, this jurisdiction is often England and Wales. Divorce in Germany: Key legal features -------------------------------------- Like in most European countries, the German court lacks the discretion the English court has in making awards. The court is subject to strict rules in what it can order on the division of marital assets, and will only: - Equalise pension entitlements; - Divide the gains accrued during the marriage equally between the parties. The court has no power to make transfers of real property (i.e. houses) and is only able to award maintenance for a limited time, and in circumstances where the weaker spouse will experience real hardship on the breakdown of the marriage, and where they have damaged their career by caring for children. The parent who cares for a child is expected, by law, to return to work when the child is three. Divorce in England and Wales ---------------------------- The English court therefore has much more wide-ranging powers to order ongoing maintenance, the division of non-matrimonial [assets](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/assets-income-liabilities-on-divorce) and the transfer of real property. For this reason, the media often reports London as the 'divorce capital of the world'. The starting point of the English courts is to divide [matrimonial assets](https://vardags.com/law-guide/assets-in-divorce/what-is-the-difference-between-marital-and-non-marital-assets) equally and make an order which sufficiently meets each party's needs, which can be interpreted widely. It is highly likely that England will be much more generous to the financially weaker party. **If you have a connection with a different jurisdiction, whether it is Germany or another country, you should first establish whether you can get divorced in those jurisdictions and, if so, what the financial outcome may be compared to England and Wales. This information should be obtained without delay so that you preserve the option to issue proceedings in a country that is most favourable to you. Contact Vardags for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") As a German national, can I divorce in England and Wales? ---------------------------------------------------------- HNW and UHNW German nationals may be able to apply for divorce in England and Wales. This is dependent on the habitual residence or domicile status of either you or your spouse. But be aware - if one spouse perceives either of the two jurisdictions as being advantageous, there may be a race to get there first to ensure that the divorce is heard in one jurisdiction as opposed to the other one. The rules around jurisdiction in England and Wales are complex, so it is crucial to seek specialist legal advice to determine the best possible route for your situation. Vardags' team of [top divorce lawyers serving clients in Germany](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/german-desk) delivers a bespoke legal service to [HNW and UHNW](https://vardags.com/law-guide/high-net-worth) individuals, their families, and businesses. 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) OUR FOREIGN DESKS ----------------- Our foreign desks are comprised of top multi-lingual lawyers, with a network of international contacts. [Australia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/australia "Australia Desk") [Bahrain Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bahrain "Bahrain Desk") [BVI Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bvi "BVI Desk") [Belgium Desk](https://vardags.com/international/belgium "Belgium Desk") [Bermuda Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bermuda "Bermuda Desk") [Canada Desk](https://vardags.com/international/canada "Canada Desk") [Cayman Islands Desk](https://vardags.com/international/cayman-islands "Cayman Islands Desk") [China Desk](https://vardags.com/international/china "China Desk") [Dubai (UAE) Desk](https://vardags.com/international/dubai "Dubai (UAE) Desk") [France Desk](https://vardags.com/international/france "France Desk") [Germany Desk](https://vardags.com/international/germany "Germany Desk") [Gibraltar Desk](https://vardags.com/international/gibraltar "Gibraltar Desk") [Greece Desk](https://vardags.com/international/greece "Greece Desk") [Guernsey Desk](https://vardags.com/international/guernsey "Guernsey Desk") [Hong Kong Desk](https://vardags.com/international/hong-kong "Hong Kong Desk") [India Desk](https://vardags.com/international/india "India Desk") [Italy Desk](https://vardags.com/international/italy "Italy Desk") [Jersey Desk](https://vardags.com/international/jersey "Jersey Desk") [Kuwait Desk](https://vardags.com/international/kuwait "Kuwait Desk") [Republic of Ireland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/republic-of-ireland "Republic of Ireland Desk") [Liechtenstein Desk](https://vardags.com/international/liechtenstein "Liechtenstein Desk") [Luxembourg Desk](https://vardags.com/international/luxembourg "Luxembourg Desk") [Malaysia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/malaysia "Malaysia Desk") [Malta Desk](https://vardags.com/international/malta "Malta Desk") [Mauritius Desk](https://vardags.com/international/mauritius "Mauritius Desk") [Monaco Desk](https://vardags.com/international/monaco "Monaco Desk") [Netherlands Desk](https://vardags.com/international/netherlands "Netherlands Desk") [New Zealand Desk](https://vardags.com/international/new-zealand "New Zealand Desk") [Oman Desk](https://vardags.com/international/oman "Oman Desk") [Russia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/russia "Russia Desk") [United States of America Desk](https://vardags.com/international/united-states-america "United States of America Desk") [Portugal Desk](https://vardags.com/international/portugal "Portugal Desk") [Poland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/poland "Poland Desk") [Qatar Desk](https://vardags.com/international/qatar "Qatar Desk") [Saudi Arabia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/saudi-arabia "Saudi Arabia Desk") [Scotland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/scotland "Scotland Desk") [Singapore Desk](https://vardags.com/international/singapore "Singapore Desk") [South Africa Desk](https://vardags.com/international/south-africa "South Africa Desk") [Spain Desk](https://vardags.com/international/spain "Spain Desk") [Switzerland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/switzerland "Switzerland Desk") Related Guides -------------- [The UK or Belgium: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-belgium "The UK or Belgium: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or France: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-france "The UK or France: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or Luxembourg: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-luxembourg "The UK or Luxembourg: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or Russia: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-russia "The UK or Russia: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or Switzerland: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-switzerland "The UK or Switzerland: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or the US: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-us "The UK or the US: Where should I divorce?") Glossary Reference ------------------ ### Non-matrimonial property Non-matrimonial property refers to assets that were built up other than during the marriage. ### Real property Legal term meaning houses, land and real estate. ### Spousal maintenance Payments made by the higher earning spouse to their ex-partner, after the breakdown of their marriage. 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. What our clients say -------------------- My experience with Vardags has been exceptional. They helped me through all the complicated bureaucracy and process involved in dissolving my Civil Partnership. I would, without hesitation, recommend Vardags if you want a highly... professional and compassionate legal team to get you to the outcome you desire. J Rourke Throughout my time using Vardags I felt that I have always been in the best possible hands. I enjoyed an excellent level of service and received accurate and precise legal advice. The lawyers are hugely talented, sensitive and... focused on getting the very best results. Their no-nonsense and direct approach is most valuable when time and costs are of the essence. I highly recommend them over and above any other law firm I have ever dealt with. Thank you Vardags. Valerie Getting any kind of family problem is really when you are at your most vulnerable variables and their whole team were incredibly supportive, kind, attentive and caring throughout the entire experience. The whole team were... incredibly supportive, kind, attentive, and caring throughout the entire experience. Geeta Sidhu-Robb Immediate advice was gratefully received. No hesitation in recommending Vardags. Stewart Little Beyond the direct legal work they were extremely knowledgeable and creative in coordinating with other service providers when required, which was key in securing a fair financial result and, more importantly, maintaining my... parental relationship with my young children during the divorce proceedings and beyond. Throughout the whole process they never lost sight of the best long term outcome, whilst always staying on top of procedure and providing flawless execution. I highly recommended them! Heinz-Peter Stohl A responsive and helpful service; quick to understand and advise on the issues. Ian Smith 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)