How I work
When a family lives between two countries, the first question is where proceedings can be brought and which law applies. Choosing the wrong forum can cost months.
I check whether the Italian courts have jurisdiction and, if the case is to be heard in Italy, handle it personally, with remote updates in English.
Greece is connected to Italy by Adriatic and Ionian ferry routes and by a long history of Mediterranean trade.
Common situations
- One spouse lives in Athens, the other in Italy
- A marriage celebrated in Italy to be dissolved
- Children living in Italy with one parent
- Maintenance to obtain or enforce between the two countries
- A foreign judgment to be recognised in Italy
Useful EU and international rules
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Regulation (EU) 2019/1111
Known as “Brussels IIb”, it determines which court has jurisdiction over separation, divorce and parental responsibility, and deals with international child abduction.
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Regulation (EC) No 4/2009
Governs jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of maintenance decisions between Member States.
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Regulation (EU) No 1259/2010
Known as “Rome III”, it sets the law applicable to divorce and legal separation in participating States, including Italy.
