Greece signs up to EU rules to facilitate international divorces

The European Commission has gave its green light to Greece's decision to join the 15 countries already participating in EU rules which allow international couples to select which country's law applies to their divorce or legal separation.

The new rules, which have been in place since June 2012, aim to provide assistance to weaker partners during divorce disputes.

International couples are able to agree in advance which law would apply in the event of their divorce or legal separation. In case the couple cannot agree, judges will have a common formula for deciding which country's law applies.

The Regulation has no effect on national divorce or marriage laws, nor does it foresee the adoption of rules affecting substantive family law of the Member States.

With almost one million divorces in the EU area in 2009, the rules help couples of different nationalities, those living apart in different countries or those living together in a country other than their home country, and protects them from complicated, lengthy and painful procedures.

Fourteen countries originally signed up to the Regulation - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. Lithuania subsequently joined, and now Greece has become the 16th Member State to submit a request to join.

Contact our Family Solicitors in Aberdeen

If you need help with a family law matter, including issues involving divorce or separation, contact our specialist solicitors on 01224 370 028 or fill in our enquiry form today.