International divorces: new rules on whose courts settle property disputes

The European Parliament's plenary session approved on 23 June 2016 a set of rules for deciding which country's courts should settle property disputes in divorce or death cases involving international couples or registered partnerships.

These rules aimed to end parallel proceedings - costing around €1.1bn annually – in various member states whose courts have to settle such property disputes.

18 member states showed their willingness to join this 'enhanced cooperation' initiative, which was triggered by a proposal from the European Commission in March 2016.

• Primary Source

Politico, 23.06.16: The European Parliament just made it easier to break up a union http://www.politico.eu/article/european-parliament-makes-it-easier-to-break-up-divorce-brexit-leave-remain/

ESO: Background information: Rules on cross-border property regimes of spouses and registered partners http://www.europeansources.info/record/rules-on-cross-border-property-regimes-of-spouses-and-registered-partners/

Politico, 14.09.16: Divorce in the land of the super rich http://www.politico.eu/article/monaco-monte-carlo-divorce-tourism/

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