International Family Law Services
Cross-border divorce. global assets. multi-jurisdiction solutions — handled with precision.
International families face a unique set of challenges when relationships break down. From competing jurisdictions to global asset structures and child relocation risks, the stakes — and the complexity — are significantly higher. At Paradigm Family Law, this is our area of expertise.
With more than 40 years’ combined experience in international family law, we provide early, strategic advice that protects your position and ensures your case is heard in the most favourable country. No two international cases are the same. Every strategy we develop is bespoke.
Complicated multi-jurisdictional international divorce
I interviewed six other UK solicitors before meeting Frank. None gave me confidence they understood the complexities. Frank immediately grasped the realities of my situation, laid out a clear plan to file in the UK, and guided me calmly throughout. Thanks to his expertise, justice was achieved and I was able to start my independent life.
Kim Thomas
International Divorce Services
Early jurisdiction strategy
Where your divorce takes place will determine the outcome. Different countries treat assets, income, pensions, property, and child arrangements in very different ways.
We help you decide which country is the most advantageous for your circumstances, often before proceedings begin.
Post-Brexit clarity
The rules governing international divorce have shifted since the UK left the European Union. Recognition, enforcement, and cooperation now vary across Europe.
We provide clear, practical advice so you understand how Brexit affects your rights and the enforceability of orders abroad.
Understanding Key International Legal Principals
Forum conveniens (which country is most appropriate for your case?)
This determines which court should take responsibility when more than one country is legally available.
We help you understand which forum best protects your financial and personal interests.
Lex fori (the law of the country where the case is heard)
Once a country is chosen, that country’s laws apply.
Because divorce laws differ widely, choosing the wrong jurisdiction can dramatically weaken your position.
Habitual residence (where your life is mainly based)
This refers to where you live, work, raise children, and have your day-to-day life.
It is often a decisive factor in determining which country can hear your case.
Domicile (your permanent legal home)
Domicile is different from residence. It refers to the country you consider your long-term, permanent home — even if you are living elsewhere.
Recognition and enforcement overseas
A divorce or financial order made in England and Wales may not automatically be recognised abroad.
We advise on where orders will be honoured, where additional steps are required, and how to enforce your rights internationally.
These concepts feature in many international cases, especially where:
- spouses have different nationalities
- families have lived in several countries
- assets are located abroad
- children live overseas
- there is a dispute about which country should handle the divorce
Cross-Border Support
A global network, built over decades
Our long-standing relationships with leading family lawyers around the world mean you receive coordinated advice in:
- Europe (Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland and more)
- USA and Canada
- Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan)
- Middle East and Gulf States
- Australia and New Zealand
- Offshore jurisdictions (Jersey, Guernsey, Cayman Islands, BVI)
This ensures clients benefit from both senior counsel and trusted local expertise.
Speak to Frank before you move abroad
Frank Arndt is not only a dual-qualified international family lawyer — he has also been an international spouse himself, giving him first-hand insight into the practical and emotional challenges of relocating as a family.
He has advised countless clients who felt “trapped abroad”, including situations where:
- they were unable to return to the UK with their children
- they were financially dependent on their spouse
- their possessions were left overseas
- they could not initiate a divorce in the UK
A single conversation before you move could protect years of your life.
If you are reading this from abroad — or are already living overseas — you may be asking practical but urgent questions:
- Can you return to the UK with your children?
- Does your spousal or work visa affect your options?
- Where should divorce proceedings be started?
- What happens to property, finances, or children if jurisdictions compete?
Every international family situation is different, but early clarity matters. A focused 30-minute conversation with Frank can help you understand your position, your risks, and the options available to you — and in many cases, that early advice can change the course of everything that follows.
International Mediation and Non-Court Options
Virtual mediation across time zones
Private financial dispute resolution (a confidential, judge-led evaluation)
Mediation–arbitration (a hybrid process)
Asset Protection and Tracing
Offshore structures and trusts
We advise on complex marital and non-marital structures including companies, trusts and foreign property portfolios.
Tracing assets worldwide
We work with leading forensic accountants and tax specialists to locate and value global assets — including international business interests and cryptocurrency.
Freezing orders (to prevent assets being hidden or moved)
If assets are likely to be dissipated, we act quickly to secure freezing orders in England and coordinate with foreign lawyers abroad.
Global enforcement strategies
We ensure financial outcomes reached in England can be recognised and enforced across borders.
Child Abduction and International Relocation
Hague Convention child abduction cases
We act in urgent cases where a child has been wrongfully removed or retained across borders under the international treaty governing return of children.
Non-Hague Convention countries
These cases require nuanced, diplomatic strategy and careful coordination with local authorities.
Emergency action to protect children
We assist with immediate applications such as passport orders and prohibited steps orders.
Uncovering non-disclosure
Hidden assets often sit behind:
- offshore companies or nominee arrangements i.e. Prest cases
- offshore trusts used as control mechanisms rather than genuine settlements
- undisclosed foreign property or bank accounts
- cryptocurrency, digital wallets, or alternative investments
- complex loan structures designed to suppress apparent wealth
We work with specialist forensic accountants, intelligence analysts, and overseas advisers to test disclosure rigorously and expose inconsistencies — ensuring the court sees the true financial picture.
Court Powers and Strategic Pressure
English family courts take non-disclosure extremely seriously as in the English proceedings there is an (ongoing) duty to give full and frank and accurate financial disclosure. Where concealment is established, English judges can:
- draw adverse inferences
- set aside agreements if non – disclosure is established (see Gohil / Sharland)
- reopen concluded cases
- impose punitive cost orders
- make findings that directly affect the division of assets
We use these powers strategically, applying pressure where appropriate to bring matters to resolution without unnecessary delay and have found hidden assets which changed the matrimonial asset landscape for each case.
Worldwide Enforcement
In some cases, there is a real risk that assets may be moved, hidden, or dissipated before matters are resolved.
A Mareva injunction (also called a freezing order) is a court order that prevents a person from disposing of, hiding, or moving their assets before a legal judgment can be enforced. Its purpose is to ensure that assets remain available to satisfy a potential judgment.
It is a powerful protective measure, used sparingly and only where legally justified, to preserve the financial position so that any eventual court order remains meaningful.
Securing an order is only part of the battle. Ensuring it is effective internationally — particularly following Brexit — is critical.
We advise on:
- Applying for and enforcing freezing orders (Mareva injunctions), including worldwide freezing orders
- Enforcement of English orders overseas
- Recognition of judgments in multiple jurisdictions
- Coordination with foreign courts and enforcement agents
- Recovering assets held in non-cooperative jurisdictions
Our international network allows us to act swiftly and decisively — whether assets are held in Europe, offshore centres, or beyond.
Why Clients Trust Our International Expertise
Dual-qualified leadership
Frank Arndt is qualified as a Solicitor in England & Wales and a Rechtsanwalt in Germany, bringing rare insight into European and international family law.
Expert reports on Brexit implications
Frank frequently prepared expert analysis for English courts on how Brexit affects recognition and enforceability of orders in Germany and beyond.
Government-level and Court of Appeal experience
Frank has acted for a foreign government in an international relocation case and represented several clients in the Court of Appeal.
A trusted global network spanning decades
Our international partnerships ensure clients receive coordinated, senior-level advice anywhere in the world.
If you need support or would like an initial confidential conversation, contact us at
info@paradigmfamilylaw.co.uk or call 01904 217225 for expert legal advice.
Why Early Specialist Advice Matters
Cases involving hidden assets escalate quickly and can become disproportionately expensive if mishandled. Early, senior input from an experienced legal team often makes the difference between controlled resolution and prolonged, costly litigation.
If you suspect assets are being concealed — or are concerned about enforcement beyond England and Wales — early strategic advice is essential.
Recent Testimonials
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