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05 June 2026 / Rachel Fisher
Issue: 8164 / Categories: Features , Family , International , Divorce , Child law , Jurisdiction
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When the domestic goes global

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© Getty images
Rachel Fisher explores how globalisation is reshaping family law
  • Increasingly international families, cross-border assets and global mobility are reshaping family law, creating complex disputes over jurisdiction, finances and child arrangements.
  • As divorce and separation become more international, family lawyers must work across legal systems and alongside financial and global advisers to secure fair outcomes for clients.

Family law is the most personal area of law. Lawyers in this sector work with people going through some of the most emotionally charged and legally and practically complex times in their lives. Divorce and separation are rarely smooth sailing, and the legal processes involve several hurdles for clients to overcome.

Complications often focus on the financial aspects. Marriage is, at the core, a contract which legally binds not only the couple but their assets and wealth. Coming to a point, possibly after many years of sharing a life together, where money must be divided according to needs and fairness, often causes tensions. The other aspect is children. Where child

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

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Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

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Firm strengthens corporate and capital raising specialism with partner hire

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

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Commercial disputes partner succeeds Robert Brodrick as chair of management board

NEWS
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Employers are being urged to prepare now for far-reaching employment law changes taking effect in January 2027
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