International family dispute cases rise

There has been a significant rise in the number of family disputes involving parents in different countries in which a British judge has to intervene, it has emerged.

The number of such cases increased by 40% in the last year, revealed the latest annual report from the Office of the Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales.

Lord Justice Thorpe, co-author of the report, said international co-operation on family law is needed due to “globalisation, increasing movement of persons across borders, and the ever rising number of family units which are truly international”. The Office of the Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales is brought in to help deal with international family disputes, including some kidnapping and child custody cases.

Lord Justice Thorpe heads the office, which the report shows handled three new cases in its first year in 2005, increasing to 65 in 2008, 180 in 2011 and 253 in 2012. In the report, Lord Justice Thorpe and Edward Bennett – the lawyer who works alongside him – identified two key factors behind the rise in disputes coming their way.

The first factor is the increasing number of international family cases arriving at the courts that need the help of an overseas judge. Secondly, they said there is a growing awareness among judges and legal workers around the world of the Office’s service and its benefits.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790058 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.