By Gina Foster LLB student

There are several requirements that must be met according to the United Kingdom Home Office to divorce in the United Kingdom if you were married in Pakistan.

First the marriage must be acknowledged as a lawful union in Pakistan, the United Kingdom only recognises foreign marriages that are legally recognised in the country where they were conducted. In the case of Pakistan, a legally binding marriage would have to take place in a marriage ceremony called a Nikah, in which a religious scholar who is authorised by the government in Pakistan performs the event and two witnesses must be present for the marriage to be officially recognised by law in Pakistan. 

Second a legally binding marriage certificate from the country of Pakistan is required and this must be translated in a certified manner.

Lastly the couple divorcing must have a sufficient connection to the United Kingdom so either you or your spouse must have obtained United Kingdom residency as you will need this to submit a divorce application in the United Kingdom.

Further information see the Marriage Act 1949 Part IV.

Written by Gina Foster, Legal Assistant at Brady Harvey Legal. She is in her final year of an LLB Degree, pursuant of a degree from the University of Buckingham