Where either you or your spouse/civil partner, or both of you, have a connection with another country, either as to assets, domicile, habitual residence, or future plans, and you are considering entering into a separation agreement, a specialist family lawyer should be instructed in each relevant country to advise you on the need for and effect of such an agreement in that country. Significantly more time and costs are likely to be incurred where there are international aspects. The approach to the enforcement and validity of separation agreements varies between countries, and in some countries outside England and Wales a separation agreement will be fully binding with no regard to fairness. A separation agreement will usually include a ‘jurisdiction clause’, confirming your domicile and habitual residence, together with your intentions as to the jurisdiction in which the divorce or dissolution will proceed, and where you intend the agreement to be enforceable. Where there are international elements, consistent separation agreements may be drafted in each relevant jurisdiction, translated and notarised as necessary. Alternatively this can be dealt with by the preparation of one comprehensive agreement which can be translated, if required.