International Child Relocation Solicitors
Helping Parents Understand the Law When Moving Abroad with Children
Relocating abroad with a child after divorce or separation can be complex. Whether you're seeking permission to move or trying to prevent a relocation, our specialist international child relocation lawyers can help you through the process.
“Osbornes have a first-class family law team providing an excellent service for their loyal clients.”
“Osbornes Law has an excellent children law department. It is client focused and committed to achieving the best outcome for its clients and it keeps the focus on the bigger picture.”
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Moving abroad with a child after a separation or divorce can raise complex legal issues. Whether you’re planning an international relocation or you’re worried about your child being taken overseas without consent, our expert family lawyers are here to help.
Osbornes Law has extensive experience handling international child relocation cases. Our team includes leading children law specialists and Resolution-accredited solicitors who will guide you through the process. We’re ranked in Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for family law and regularly advise on complex, high-conflict international disputes.
What is international child relocation?
International child relocation refers to one parent moving a child to live permanently in another country. This can only be done with the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or with permission from the Family Court.
Unlike internal relocation within the UK, international relocation involves cross-border legal considerations and carries serious consequences if done without consent, including the risk of being accused of child abduction.
Do I need permission to move abroad with my child?
Yes. If you want to move abroad with your child and another person has parental responsibility, you must either:
- Obtain their written consent, or
- Apply to the Family Court for permission (also called a leave to remove application)
Relocating without this consent can amount to child abduction, which is a criminal offence under UK law.
What will the court consider in relocation cases?
The court’s primary consideration is the best interests of the child. It will assess a range of factors, including:
- The child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and maturity)
- The emotional and educational impact of the move
- The motivation of the parent proposing the relocation
- The feasibility of maintaining a relationship with the left-behind parent
- The practical arrangements: housing, schooling, healthcare, finances
- The impact of refusal on the relocating parent
Parents seeking to relocate must present a clear, well-considered plan. Courts are more likely to approve relocations that are child-focused and not designed to marginalise the other parent.
Preventing international relocation
If you are the parent opposing the move, you can:
- Refuse to give consent
- Apply for a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent the relocation
- Seek a Child Arrangements Order to formalise your child’s living and contact arrangements
The earlier you take legal advice, the better the chance of protecting your child’s best interests.
Real case example: Dubai relocation refused
In SA v JR [2025] EWFC 279, the Family Court refused a mother’s request to relocate her son to Dubai, even though the move was well-planned and supported by her husband’s job offer. The court found the child’s close bond with his father and ties to life in London outweighed the benefits of relocation.
Read more: Dubai child relocation refused
International expertise you can trust
Osbornes Law is known for its expertise in international family law. We regularly advise on:
- International divorce and separation
- Child abduction and Hague Convention cases
- Cross-border contact arrangements
- Relocations involving EU and non-EU countries
We also have one of the UK’s leading international adoption and surrogacy teams, led by Naomi Angel, giving us deep insight into the challenges of international parenting arrangements.
Speak to an international child relocation solicitor today
Whether you are planning to relocate abroad with your child or you are concerned about a proposed move, we can help you find a constructive way forward.
Contact our specialist family lawyers for a confidential consultation:
- Call 020 7485 8811
- Or fill in our enquiry form
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Naomi Angell leads the market in cross-border children law matters. Sources confirm that she is "at the cutting edge of changing law and policy" when it comes to international adoption
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