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.
Barcelona has a large Italian community and is connected to Italy by frequent flights and ferry routes.
Common situations
- One spouse lives in Barcelona, 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.
