International family justice
The International Family Justice Office is responsible for liaising with members of the Hague Network and the European Judicial Network of judges to assist, where possible, in the efficient resolution of cross-border family cases.
Role of the Office
The Office liaises with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, International Child Abduction and Contact Unit and the Ministry of Justice, as well as European and international bodies.
It also deals with enquiries from judges in England and Wales and abroad, practitioners, officials in the field of international family law and academics.
The work of the Office includes:
- Liaising with judges in other jurisdictions on international family law issues arising in individual cases, including cross-border public law (care) cases relating to children and international child abduction and relocation cases.
- Dealing with queries arising under Brussels IIA, the 1980 Hague Convention and the 1996 Hague Convention, as well as other European regulations and international conventions.
- Contributing to the shaping of developments in European and international family law, practice and policy.
- Attending domestic and international seminars and conferences.
- Providing administrative and legal support to the Head and Deputy Head of International Family Justice.
Heads of International Family Justice
Lord Justice Moylan is the Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales.
Mr Justice MacDonald is the Deputy Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales.
Contacting the Office
The Office is not able to provide legal advice.
The Office can be contacted by email at IFJOffice@Justice.gov.uk.
The legal adviser to the Head of International Family Justice can be contacted by phone at 020 7947 7197.