What Is the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit?

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Do you remember our previous discussion on the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme for EEA nationals last year?

As the deadline comes closer, you must make haste and apply for a pre-settled or settled status. Your EEA family members can do the same.

If you are a non-EEA citizen, you can opt for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit. The simple pathways can be your ticket to the UK if you act quickly.This article discusses therules and regulations for this immigration scheme in detail.

Here are a few things you must know:

The Basics: What is an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit?

It’s animmigration scheme that supportsnon-EEA individuals who do not have a visa or British residency within the UK. Once approved, the EUSS Family Permit allows the holder to visit the UK as many times as they want during a six-month-validity-period.

2. Application Rules and Regulations

Non-EEA citizens can apply for the EUSS Family Permit if they meet the criterion. The first rule limits eligibility to family members who have an EEA citizen residing or accompanying them on their trip to the UK.  Not only that, but the latter must also have a verified, pre-settled or settled status as per EUSS standards. In addition, that person must visit or live in the UK for at least six months.

The Home Office will deny applicants whose spouse (or guardian) does not have a EUSS number. Your application may be cancelled if the other person’s status is revoked or cancelled due to legal issues.

Besides this, you can qualify for the permit if you:

  • Submit evidence of a civil partnership or a marriage contract to prove your relationship.
  • You are dependent on the family or another person due to your age (i.e. children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents).
  • Dependent family members of the non-EEA spouse can also apply if they meet the prerequisite conditions.

These conditions are only valid for relationships formed before 31 December 2020. Thismeans that newly married partners (and family members by association) need to take an alternative immigration route if they wish to live in the UK. Like always, the rules and regulations vary depending on individual circumstances.

EUSS Family Permit for Dependents Aged 21 & Over

As explained in the previous section, dependents (younger or older family members)qualify for this permit. Children aged 21 or above must submit financial, medical, or other documents to verify their dependence. For instance, mentally impaired or disabled children can submit medical records as evidence.

What’s the Next Move?

Overall, the EUSS Family Permit simplifies travelling for non-EEA family members. All you need are the required documents and the right representation. We provide a full range of family immigration law services for families separated due to cross-border elements.

Our legal support team will assist you indrafting applications and provide expert guidance on what you can and can’t do.

Are you planning to apply for the EUSS Family Permit? Get in touch to schedule a free consultation.

Cross-Border Insolvency Post-Brexit: What Is the UNCITRAL Model Law?

Cross-Border Insolvency Post-Brexit

At the end of the transition period, only four out of twenty-seven EU member states have accepted UK’s suggestion to use the UNCITRAL Model Law. The law streamlines the legal process and establishes clear-cut rules surrounding the recognition and enforcement of cross-border insolvency laws.

EU members that agreed to this model include Greece, Romania, Poland, and Slovenia.

Here is a closer look at what this entails:

The Basics: What Is the UNCITRAL Model Law?

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) was introduced by the UN to ‘harmonise and unify’ international trade laws.

The commission designed the Model Law to secure an equal and fair distribution of an insolvent’s offshore assets during cross-border insolvency cases. In these situations, the assets

are dispersed across jurisdictions, making it challenging for local courts to pass a verdict based solely on their judicial system.

The Model Law outlines rules and regulations for the countries in question. These rules include:

  • The governing cooperation during insolvency proceedings
  • Provision of assistance received by insolvency officeholders from the other country
  • Coordination of multiple jurisdictions during parallel insolvency proceedings

EU member states that agree to implement the Model Law during cross-border insolvency post-Brexit can alter or omit legal provisions. This right provides them flexibility, making it easier for them to modify the Model Law according to specific requirements and their country’s unique circumstances.

Compared to EC Regulations, the Model Law can be more versatile and flexible. It’s not mandatory and it does not transfer automatic recognition during UK/EU enforcements for court judgements and orders.

Implications of the Model: Cross-Border Insolvency Post Brexit

The Model Law simplifies the confusion surrounding UK-EU insolvency proceedings that shall take this year. It offers effective and practical mechanisms that accelerate the process.  Members of EU states that have agreed to use the UNCITRAL Model can practice it when they find an insolvent with UK assets. When that happens, foreign officeholders can apply an application to the UK court. The appeal includes a request for assistance.

The UK accepts the request after reviewing the request to consider the insolvents primary interests and circumstance. 

What Happens Next?

If the UK court recognises foreign insolvency proceedings as the main proceeding, the English common court shall initiate a civil proceeding against the debtor. Foreign officeholders receive legal permission to practice insolvency laws in court. They also have the authority to manage and distribute acquired UK-based assets.

A similar process occurs in EU states that have accepted the UNCITRAL Model Law as a substitute for EC Regulations to resolve cross-border insolvency issues post-Brexit.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the UNCITRAL Model offers clarity and control to foreign officeholders who agree with its enforcement for cross-border insolvency proceedings.  The model provides the UK court and its foreign counterpart with a framework to follow and implement during these situations. Without it, recovering outstanding credit by debtors would have been more complicated.

Need some help? Our international solicitors can answer all your questions regarding cross-border insolvency post-Brexit. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment.

The Implications of Brexit on Enforcement of Judgements in Cross-Border Disputes

Blue puzzle pieces depicting Brexit Image Description: Blue puzzle pieces depicting Brexit

Are you signing a contract with an EU party? Does your company already have tied with EU businesses?

Either way, you must consider the implications of Brexit on enforcement of the judgement in cross-border disputes beforehand.  After the end of the transition period, the UK-EU cases are not governed by the same rules. The withdrawal agreement remains uncertain on how and in what ways contractual parties will deal with disputes.

Therefore, it will be wise to add an exclusive jurisdiction clause within the contract to mitigate risks. The law you choose can resolve contractual conflicts more smoothly and efficiently.

Here is why this is important:

Understanding the Enforcement of Judgements in Cross-Border Disputes Post-Brexit

The Background 

Pre-Brexit, cross-border disputes were judged according to the Brussels I Recast Regulation and Lugano Convention. These laws are not applicable anymore because they require a mutual agreement between both states. Without a governing law, the enforcement of judgements falls under domestic rules. That means the contracting parties can issue proceedings in either the UK or an EU state. They can even file a lawsuit in both jurisdictions simultaneously.

That might cause complications since the UK and EU are no longer obliged to comply with a singular ruling. Contradictory verdicts can cost petitioners a hefty price and lengthy proceedings.

Post-Brexit Alternatives: What Does the UK Plan to Do?

The British government wants to become a member of the Lugano Convention independently. That will mean that cross-border cases can get ruled according to the convention, which would mitigate uncertainties. The only trouble is that the EU government has yet to permit membership.

Nevertheless, the UK does have a membership to The Hague Convention. According to its rules, parallel proceedings cannot occur if the contract grants exclusive jurisdiction agreement to one of the two states.

As a result, contracting parties can weigh the benefits and disadvantages of corporate laws concerning disputes. Then use these details to add an exclusive jurisdiction clause depending on the state that benefits them. For instance, selecting the English common law increases the calibre of judgement for British-based companies. The legal proceedings will be held in a familiar language, and its outcomes are more predictable.

The right attorney can guide you through the process. We can help you select a jurisdiction that is more likely to rule in your favour, if a dispute occurs.

In a Nutshell

At present, we are dealing with a ‘no-deal’ situation regarding all UK-EU cross-border civil disputes that were filed in 2021. Both countries have yet to agree on using the Lugano Convention as the governing law in this scenario. It can be advantageous for contracting parties to choose an exclusive English jurisdiction clause in their agreements.  Having this clause from the start can prevent uncertainties surrounding enforcement of judgements and costly delays.

Do you need help? Consult our international corporate lawyers to draft compliant contracts and tackle civil law cases. 

Family Law Post-Brexit: Guidelines

A couple taking off their wedding rings

Wondering about the impact of Brexit on family law?

The end of the transition period marks the start of many changes in the UK-EU legal systems and dealings. Cross-border divorces and other cases dealing with family matters will get modified permanently. One of our primary concerns is that the new rules lack the cooperation and mutual understanding shared previously. 

In other words, the cancellation of most EU regulations can create legal complications for many families. Consequently, the government might not reciprocate cross-border enforcement and maintenance policies. That might lead to discrepancies and inconsistencies in how each court treats family law cases in the future.

Here are a few things to consider: 

The Legal Implications of Brexit on Family Law 

Brexit has significantly altered many areas of family law concerning UK-EU cases. The English government’s withdrawal from the EU will transform the way families deal with divorce settlements, financial disputes, and child arrangements.

Here are some things to consider beforehand:  

Jurisdiction 

The petitioner must choose a jurisdiction before applying for divorce, child custody, or financial settlement. You can base your decision on your current location or domicile status. 

In legal matters of divorce, separation, or the nullity of marriage (and civil partnerships), the habitual residence will become a deciding factor for jurisdictions. If the couple lives in different countries, one must adhere to the jurisdiction where the first proceeding took place.

Want to know more? 

Read the amended section 5(2) of the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973. It features some rules accepted by the Brussels IIa. The modified regulations grant courts in England and Wales the power to stop cross-border proceedings in another jurisdiction (i.e., EU states) if required.  

Enforcement of Judgments 

At present, there is still some uncertainty regarding the recognition of cross-border judgments and enforcement of the final verdict. We know that the UK government plans to acknowledge most EU-enforced rules like any other non-EU law. 

Under these circumstances, one should look at how the English courts treat non-EU based settlements. That way, you will have a better idea of the benefits and disadvantages of selecting EU regulations as your principle jurisdiction for all family law matters.  

International Child Maintenance and Abduction 

In family law cases concerning child custody and cross-border child abductions, the English court will adhere to the 2007 Hague Convention. Lawyers must specifically consider the articles featuring the International Recovery of Child Support to handle these issues. The convention offers valuable insights into what parents must do to recover their children after cross-border abduction. It also provides remedies and legal solutions required to resolve disputes over child maintenance. 

How Can We Help?

Our experienced international family lawyers can offer personalized legal services for divorce, annulments, child arrangements, and more. With dual headquarters in UK and Poland, collaboration and cooperation between separated parties become more manageable. 

Parting Words 

In conclusion, the legal implications of Brexit have changed many cross-border family law regulations. These alterations make it necessary for you to consult an experienced lawyer before filing applications. Having legal support will enable you to overcome emerging obstacles better. 

Get in touch to schedule a no-obligation consultation.  

Brexit and Family Law: What Do You Need to Know?

A couple sitting in front of a divorce lawyer

Could Brexit and family law changes affect your current divorce case?

At present, we are in a transition period where all petitions filed before 1st January 2021 will proceed under the old rules. Any case that is registered after that will go through changes. Some of these rules are still under consideration. There is a chance that the UK will adopt The Hague Convention for Service 1965, in any family law matter concerning individuals linked with the EU.

That said, international family law practitioners are keen on reviewing all previous and current policies beforehand.

Here are things we want our clients to know:

 

1. Divorce Proceedings

 

At present, the Brussels II law makes cross-border divorce cases pretty straightforward. It allows couples to choose a jurisdiction depending on their location and advantages it provides. Without a proper agreement in sight, no deal Brexit might cause problems for couples affiliated with the EU.

Their dual-citizenship could create complications as they are compelled to handle divorce with limited choices. They might also face injustice regarding the division of offshore assets and other notable resolutions.

Our lawyers can mitigate the risks by considering all the possible options and ensuring that clients get the best deal at the end. We also ensure that all legal proceedings are processed according to current and post-Brexit guidelines.

What about prenuptial agreements?

If your spouse holds dual-citizenship (i.e. British citizenship and EU nationality), you might need to review your contract. Your lawyer can guide you through this process, modifying anything that puts your rights at risk after Exit Day.

 

2. Child Custody & Abduction

When it comes to child custody, one or both parents are responsible for their children’s wellbeing. This also implies that one parent can’t relocate their children without the other’s permission (unless the court grants them the right to do so).

Post-Brexit, Brussels II rules regarding child custody and abduction will no longer be applicable. It is why the court will most likely work according to The Hague Convention (1996). It might be a setback since it does not have the same provisions or rulings about how soon the court can act.

Thus, it could lead to unwanted delays.

3. Brexit and Family Law: What Should You Do Before Exit Day?

As the year 2021 approaches, it is better to seek early consultation for all family matters. That way, you will understand the consequences of filing a divorce before and after Exit Day. It might also be useful to weigh in current advantages over potential legal changes in the future.

Here are some things to ask when you hire an international family lawyer:

  • Whether filing a divorce in 2020 is a good option for you?
  • Should you register your financial orders before Exit Day?
  • Should you review “choice of court” agreements before Brexit?
  • How long will it take to receive a verdict for family law proceedings after Exit Day?
  • Will your parental rights change after Brexit?

Your best bet is to know about all legal complications and issues when dealing with Brexit and family law. Otherwise, you risk losing more than you bargained for during family disputes, divorces, and financial distributions. Not to forget that your child’s custody rules might also change in the future.

In a Nutshell

At present, uncertainly in the post-Brexit legal rule may cause EU-centric family cases (i.e. divorce, settlements, custody disputes, etc.) to undergo many obstacles. They are more likely to be costly and highly complex. Due to this, it is more practical to hire international family lawyers that are well aware of Brexit implications than collaborating with any other lawyer.

Do you have more questions about Brexit and family law? Contact us today for further details and professional consultation.

3 Questions to Ask about Cross-Border Commercial Litigation Post-Brexit

Two Businessmen Shaking Hands

What will happen to international commercial litigation post-Brexit?

Multinational companies that depend on cross-border transactions and partnerships are worried about the adverse consequences they might face in the future. The discussions around Brexit and legal services are still uncertain in many areas.

Some executives fear their downfall. Many others view it as the rise of a new era. No matter what side you are on, you need to understand the basics before you file a lawsuit.

Here is everything you need to know:

1. How Does the Current Legal System for International Litigations Work?

At present, cross-border commercial litigations often operate under the EU regulations. It is strictly for cases involving one or more parties based in EU. We address civil and commercial matters through the Brussels I Recast Regulation. On the other hand, the contractual and non-contractual cases work according to the Rome I and the Rome II Regulations.

The benefits of this legal framework include:

  • Definite and predictable outcomes
  • It simplifies the legal system and makes it accessible for the poorest man
  • The EU law has a schematic approach that makes it more comprehensive
  • The law safeguards the rights of all the participants

The main idea is to prioritise a legal system that gives an equal footing to all participants involved. The English law often comes to play when we fight the case under English jurisdiction.

2.  What Will Happen to Commercial Litigation Post-Brexit?

Typically, the English courts do not need to seek permission to use English jurisdiction if the case involves EU-based participants. This rule might not apply in a post-Brexit setting.

There are several different ways to support commercial litigation post-Brexit. For instance, the UK can rejoin the Hague Convention (2005). That way, it gets access to a choice of agreements related to the English Law.

However, this agreement does not cover cases concerning B2C.

The other alternative includes the Lugano Convention (2007).  It requires English solicitors to utilise a multi-jurisdiction settled the case. The only problem is that the lack of certainty blurs the lines for unexperienced solicitors. When they address clauses conferring with local jurisdiction, they miss points covering the EU side of the agreement. This missing gap could tip the scales in the opponents’ favour if they are not careful.

3.  What Sort of Changes Can We Expect from Law Firms?

Currently, we cannot predict the potential implications of Brexit on commercial litigation. We expect to see changes and modifications within the legal framework in the near future.

Nevertheless, international law firms (like ours) are striving to stay alert and updated. We try to cover broad areas of the post-Brexit scenarios as well as the technicalities. It requires solicitors in our team to become more responsive, adaptable, and better managers.

All these characteristics prove beneficial for the team when we fight in the court after Brexit.

The Bottom Line

Overall, there will be a significant change in international commercial litigation post-Brexit. The main concerns feature complications include differences in opinions regarding which law should work. Solicitors might also find it challenging to negotiate with opposing parties when no standard rules are supporting this matter.

Despite all this, seasoned commercial litigation lawyers are rigorously preparing themselves for the upcoming modifications. They carefully weigh the pros and cons of each scenario before taking a stand. That way, they can represent their clients in a better and secure manner.

Do you want to know more? Stay tuned for more updates on post-Brexit law.