How we support international clients

Step 1: Free initial consultation by video call

We offer a free 30-minute consultation over Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or telephone, scheduled at a time that works for your time zone. During this call, we will discuss your situation, assess whether the English courts have jurisdiction, and explain your options in clear, practical terms. There is no obligation to instruct us after this call.

Step 2: Jurisdiction and strategy assessment

If you decide to proceed, we will carry out a full assessment of jurisdiction. This includes looking at where you and your spouse are domiciled, where you are habitually resident, and where your main assets are located. If there is a risk that your spouse may try to issue proceedings in another country, we can advise on the best way to protect your position. In some cases, it is important to act quickly.

Step 3: Managing your case remotely

All documents can be shared, reviewed, and signed electronically. We handle the court filings, correspondence, and procedural steps on your behalf. You do not need to travel to the UK for any part of the process. If a hearing is required, we can arrange for a barrister to attend on your behalf, and many family court hearings now take place by video link in any case.

Step 4: Resolving finances and child arrangements

International divorces often involve assets in more than one country. This can include property abroad, foreign pensions, offshore investments, business interests, and income earned in a different currency. We advise on all of these alongside the divorce itself. If children are involved, we can also help with arrangements about where they live, how they spend time with each parent, and any questions about international relocation, which requires either the other parent's agreement or permission from the court.

Step 5: Financial relief after an overseas divorce

If you have already obtained a divorce abroad but your financial matters were not fully resolved, you may still be able to apply to the English courts for a financial order. Under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984, the court can make orders about property in England and Wales, maintenance, and pensions, even after a foreign divorce. This is particularly relevant for expats who divorced in a jurisdiction where the financial outcome was less favourable than what an English court would have ordered.

Key considerations for international divorce

Where you and your spouse are domiciled and habitually resident

Where your main assets, property, and pensions are located

Whether children may need to relocate between countries

Which jurisdiction is likely to produce the most favourable financial outcome

Whether a divorce has already been obtained abroad but finances remain unresolved

Whether your spouse has already filed, or is likely to file, in another country

Every international case is different. We will take the time to understand your full circumstances before advising you on the best way forward. Our goal is always to give you clear, honest advice so that you can make informed decisions about your future and your family.

Book your free consultation

Step 1: First contact

We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in any family matter, so we are here to handle any enquiries with sensitivity and understanding, providing a reassuring presence from the outset.

Step 2: Free initial consultation

We will schedule a free initial consultation via Teams call for a time that suits you. At this stage, you will be introduced to a member of our outstanding legal team, who will be able to offer initial information regarding your matter and the next steps to formally instruct us. Please be aware that before your initial consultation, you will be asked to provide preliminary information via an intake form, and ID, anti-money laundering, and conflict checks will be completed.

Step 3: Client onboarding

Once you have instructed us to handle your matter, we will provide you with our letter of engagement and terms of business. These documents explain how we will provide our services and explain how costs are incurred.

Step 4: Initial advice

Following our instruction, we will provide you with an initial information note, setting out the information discussed in your initial consultation, our preliminary advice, and any pressing first steps to be made.

Step 5: Progression of matters

Throughout your matter we will draw on our wealth of experience and expertise to provide comprehensive continued advice and representation. We take a non-confrontational approach to the unique needs and goals of every client, and take non-confrontational, constructive, and practical approach to matters.

We take pride in communicating clearly and effectively with our clients, so that you are always in control of the direction and strategy we take at each step of your matter. We endeavour to ensure that discussions with every party involved remain respectful and productive, whilst robustly representing your best interests.

Step 6: Conclusion and next steps

If you instruct us to do so, we will assist with the implementation of any Final Orders/ agreements. Upon conclusion of your case, your file will be closed in accordance with our File Storage policy.

Step 7: Aftercare and availability

We are always on hand to provide further support, should it be required.

What to expect: our step-by-step process

From the first call to final resolution, we guide you with care and clarity at every stage.

We support people through life’s most difficult moments with clarity and care

At Sadler Cross, we help individuals and families move forward with confidence during times of emotional and legal uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a separation, navigating sensitive family matters, or simply need honest guidance, we’re here to listen, support and advise without pressure or judgement.

Top  2%of Family Law firms in the UK

1000+Clients supported globally

350+5 Star reviews

80+Years of combined experience

Two professional women in black blazers smiling against geometric teal and red backgrounds.Portraits of two professional women, one with dark hair against a blue background and one with blonde hair against a green background, both smiling.
Book your free consultation
Lauren Sadler, Senior Partner and Accredited Family Mediator at Sadler Cross Family Law

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Specialist in complex family law matters and family mediation

Contact
01245 890224
lauren@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Lauren
View full profile
Catherine Ashton, Partner and Senior Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Specialist in complex family law matters, incorporating mediation and Resolution Together training.

Contact
020 3301 1014
catherine@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Catherine
View full profile
Parmjeet Bhambra, Senior Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Specialist in complex family law matters, providing outstanding client care and expert technical finesse.

Contact
020 3301 1014
parmjeet@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Parmjeet
View full profile
Chloe Russell, Senior Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Specialist in complex family law matters, providing empathetic support alongside professional, accurate advice.

Contact
01376 653218
chloe@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Chloe
View full profile
Victoria Parkinson, Family Mediator at Sadler Cross Family Law

Victoria Parkinson

Mediator

Victoria Parkinson

Mediator

Specialist in family mediation, utilising over a decade of experience to provide balanced, calm, and respectful mediation support.

Contact
01245 890224
victoria@sadlercross.co.uk
Book with Victoria
View full profile
Rebecca Brice, Lawyer at Sadler Cross Family Law

Rebecca Brice

Lawyer

Rebecca Brice

Lawyer

Rebecca utilises her advocacy training to robustly support clients, both in and out of Court, with understanding and empathy.

Contact
020 3301 1014
rebecca@sadlercross.co.uk
Rhiannon Smith, Apprentice Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Rhiannon Smith

Apprentice Solicitor

Rhiannon Smith

Apprentice Solicitor

Rhiannon incorporates the skills and knowledge gained throughout her degree and apprenticeship to support clients with compassion and professionalism.

Contact
01206 593356
rhiannon@sadlercross.co.uk
Imogen Surguy, Apprentice Solicitor at Sadler Cross Family Law

Imogen Surguy

Apprentice Solicitor

Imogen Surguy

Apprentice Solicitor

Imogen combines the knowledge gained through her apprenticeship and the technical skills developed at the firm to provide considerate support to clients and the team.

Contact
01621 983201
imogen@sadlercross.co.uk
Claire McCourt, Office Manager at Sadler Cross Family Law

Claire McCourt

Office Manager

Claire McCourt

Office Manager

Claire draws upon her experience at a magic circle law firm and her incredible organisational skills to assist with the operation and smooth-running of the firm.

Contact
01206 593356
claire@sadlercross.co.uk
Gemma Page, PA to Lauren Sadler at Sadler Cross Family Law

Gemma Page

PA to Lauren Sadler

Gemma Page

PA to Lauren Sadler

Gemma employs her wealth of experience within the legal sector to provide invaluable assistance with firm operations, alongside supporting our mediation service.

Contact
01376 653218
gemma@sadlercross.co.uk

Five-star reviews from clients across England and Wales

Showing reviews about divorce and dissolution

Read why we have 230+ 5 star reviews! Real words from real people we’ve supported through challenges, change, and everything in between.

International Divorce Advice. Excellent. I have done two other consultations and this was the only video call. Chloe listened well and gave good targeted advice. I know exactly what to do moving forward.

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Parmjeet showed a great legal knowledge, very approachable, very profesional, honest with her Team Rebecca. I know if she take my case of my divorce, she will fight my side together with her team. That is the impression I have.

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Very informative for a half hour consultation

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

What is a very complicated process , was broken down in a simplistic and manageable approach by the team ay Sadler Cross, the solicitor was understanding, personal, direct and advised me in every step of the process , delivered a very successful outcome.

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Catherine has been brilliant from the moment I approached her. She was always supportive, empathetic and understanding, especially as there were moments when the whole process was very overwhelming for me. She was easy to communicate with and always responded to my questions/emails etc in a timely manner. I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning, having heard some horror stories of 'divorce solicitors' and being concerned about the final cost of everything, but Catherine quickly put me at ease and helped to explain the process at each step. Costs were kept within the first band, which I am relieved about. I am very grateful for her support and help through this very difficult and stressful time in my life and truly appreciate her expertise. Thank you.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

I saw Chloe for a free 30 min consultation re my divorce. She was so kind and reassuring. She is also extremely knowledgeable and was generous in the sharing of that knowledge. Thank you Chloe

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Good understanding of my situation and clear explanations on the Divorce process and with I should be doing.

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Chloe was approachable and supportive throughout. Our case was easily resolved with her input and when I needed to raise a query she responded quickly and helpfully. Divorce via a solicitor has been more expensive than I had originally anticipated but with her guidance did help us to agree a good outcome in the minimum timeframe available.

Chloe Russell

Senior Solicitor

Parmjeet was extremely helpful in regards to my divorce and was not at all pushy in terms of signing up with the company. She gave me all the information I needed to start the process.

Parmjeet Bhambra

Senior Solicitor

Excellent Service from Sadler Cross. I engaged the services of Sadler Cross sometimes in 2022 regarding my divorce. Prior to this I have engaged direct access barristers some of whom messed up my case. As soon as I spoke yo Catherine A from Sadler Cross I knew I was on the right path. They are Professional, supportive and the show a great deal of empathy. This firm took my case on, and helped and support me every step of the way right from when they took my case until now as the case is wrapping up. They helped source for really good barristers who helped me win my divorce case. Catherine literally help my hand through my divorce and I never felt alone. She also helped in other areas that touched on tbe divorce but not directly. If you are looking for a firm with human beings who put themselves in your shoes whilst also working to make profit finding a balance this is the firm to go for and you will never go wrong. You will not regret it. Take it from someone who has been in the legal court system since 2019. I highly rate this firm for all your divorce matter and other legal case which they undersea, contact them. If I have any case in future (I hope not) but I would be reaching out to Sadler Cross and in particular Catherine. This firm have really helped me and I would like to thank them a great deal.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Excellent service! My civil partnership dissolution was very complicated due to my ex partners refusal to engage with the process. Catherine was excellent. I had had numerous solicitors since 2019 but she kept the process on track and finally last week the matter is sorted. The advice she gave me was very good.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Exceeded even my high expectations for an initial meeting... I spoke with Catherine today about my complicated divorce matter that has become acrimonious. I left the meeting feeling energised and able to deal with whatever that lay ahead. Catherine took great care in making sure I understand my options and the pros and cons related to each. She was very pleasant and easy to talk to and I was made to feel at ease from the outset. Thank you, Catherine.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Catherine was easy to speak with and showed a level of empathy, which was important to me, as dealing with divorce is stressful and overwhelming and sometimes it is hard to think clearly. She gave clear advice and answered my questions with patience and understanding. Overall very professional, yet friendly and approachable.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

Efficient and professional - Would recommend. Catherine was efficient and compassionate through dealing with my divorce. From the first zoom meeting, i always felt that she showed professionalism and explained the process each step of the way. She was easily contactable by phone or email if needed. Sadler Cross were recommended to me and i would not hesitate to recommend them.

Catherine Ashton

Partner, Senior Solicitor

After receiving a less-than satisfactory service from another local firm of solicitors I decided to switch to Sadler Cross and I am so glad I did - absolutely first class, I just wish I had approached them from the start. Lauren Sadler has been the rock I needed to get my divorce completed, offering advice and support at all times in a thoroughly professional manner.

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

High quality service. At an unfortunate time I was very fortunate to work with Lauren at Sadler Cross who helped me enormously. Her professional yet personal approach helped me understand what decisions I needed to make and how to take action. The rest of the team at Sadler Cross also helped my dealings with them seamless, from paying invoices to arranging meetings with Lauren, they all played a part and were extremely helpful.You never wish to have to work with divorce lawyers, but I'm glad I got to work with Lauren, couldn't be more grateful!

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Really appreciate your kindness and time. Lauren, thank you so much for all your help, support and advice to bring my divorce across the line.

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

Highly recommended. I recommend Anna and Lauren to anyone who needs a Family Law solicitor. They're friendly and approachable whilst being very professional and knowledgeable. They are very easy to deal with and offered me so much support and advice during my lengthy and difficult divorce. I honestly cant recommend them highly enough.

Lauren Sadler

Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator

<<
>>
Book your free consultation

Let’s talk, we’re here to help

We know that taking the first step can feel daunting. Whether you need advice, reassurance, or simply someone to listen we’re ready when you are.

Call us directly

01245 890224
Mon–Fri, 9am–5:00pm

Location

Sadler Cross Family Law
PO Box 13018
Maldon
CM9 9FN

Enquiry form

Your details

Details for the other party

Please note, we will not contact the other party in your matter without your permission.

What would you like to speak to us about?

Please provide any additional information that may help us.

Your details are used to respond to your enquiry. Our privacy policy explains how we handle personal information, including anything you tell us about the other party.

Thank you for getting in touch. We have your enquiry and one of the team will be in contact.