header-logo header-logo

19 June 2026 / Linda Ong , Lola Ajayi
Issue: 8166 / Categories: Features , Family , Child law , Divorce , International , Jurisdiction
printer mail-detail

A home match: England vs Singapore

252780
© Getty images
Linda Ong & Lola Ajayi consider the relocation of children between the two jurisdictions, setting out key practice points, legal approach & caselaw
  • Relocation disputes in both England and Singapore are determined by a rigorous, welfare-focused and evidence-based analysis rather than parental preference or caregiving status.

Cross‑border disputes concerning children are no longer a specialist niche in modern family law. As globally mobile families establish homes, careers and financial interests across multiple jurisdictions, English and Singaporean practitioners are experiencing an escalation in complex relocation applications. These cases frequently arise against a backdrop of competing professional opportunities, family ties across borders and differing expectations as to family life.

Relocation disputes often determine where a child will live, be educated and form their cultural and social identity, as well as the nature and frequency of their relationship with each parent. For lawyers, the demands are equally significant. Such cases require precise legal analysis and a sophisticated understanding of how each jurisdiction approaches the welfare of internationally

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Boodle Hatfield—Tom McLaughlin

Boodle Hatfield—Tom McLaughlin

Boodle Hatfield welcomes new employment partner, Tom McLaughlin

Arc Pensions Law—Victoria Thompson-Hill, Jonathan Mason & Georgi Ivanov

Arc Pensions Law—Victoria Thompson-Hill, Jonathan Mason & Georgi Ivanov

National specialist pensions law firm strengthens team with three new appointments

Jurit—Christian Abletshauser

Jurit—Christian Abletshauser

Jurit appoints Christian Abletshauser to lead family law practice

NEWS
Burges Salmon appoints Benn Richards to strengthen Contentious Insolvency offering
A High Court decision has clarified that a home may be unfit for human habitation not only where conditions endanger health or safety, but also where they seriously undermine comfort and convenience

A longer time limit for employment tribunal claims, new charity law thresholds, property tribunal recruitment and appellate guidance on small-claims costs feature in the latest Civil Way round-up

A recent High Court ruling could make issue estoppel considerably more complex in cross-border litigation, requiring parties to consider the foreign law governing the underlying claim
The Supreme Court has overturned Cheshire West’s bright-line test for deprivation of liberty, replacing it with a broader, more contextual assessment that gives greater weight to an individual’s wishes, feelings and apparent consent
back-to-top-scroll