What is REMO?
Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders - or REMO - is the name used
in the UK for international claims for family maintenance, the process by
which a person may claim financial support from an ex-partner living in
a different country. In the UK, REMO claims are handled by the courts.
The UK has arrangements with more than 100 countries and territories that allow a person living in one jurisdiction to claim maintenance from an ex-partner living in the other.
Which countries are covered?
More than 100 countries and territories worldwide. The full list
is available.
How much does it cost?
International maintenance claims are usually free of charge.
How does someone in the UK make a claim against someone abroad?
If the applicant already has a court order for maintenance obtained when
his/her ex-partner still lived in the UK, he/she should go to the court
that made the order. The REMO process may attempt to enforce the existing
court order in the other jurisdiction.
If the applicant doesn't already have a court order for maintenance (if he/she only has a CSA assessment, for example), he/she should contact their local magistrates' court or family proceedings court about applying for maintenance from the ex-partner living abroad.
Addresses and telephone numbers for the courts are listed in the phone book and on the Court Service website.
How does the process work?
The court will help in preparing the application papers. The court will
then send the application to the relevant central
authority. The central authority will then forward it to the country
where the ex-partner now lives in order to begin the recovery of maintenance.
How much can someone apply for?
The court will look at the applicant's personal circumstances and may decide
how much money is needed from their ex-partner. The ex-partner may contest
this amount.
Does an applicant need a solicitor?
No. Applications can be made directly through the court, without using a
solicitor.
How long does it take?
The court and the central authority will process your application as quickly
as possible. Once your application is sent to the foreign authorities, however,
it will be dealt with according to laws and procedures of that country.
The UK has no control over how long that process will take, but we can help
in periodically checking on the progress of your case with the foreign authorities.
There are no contact details available for the ex-partner. Can
he/she be traced?
As much practical information as possible should be given in the application
about where the ex-partner is living, although some countries are successful
in using fairly limited details to trace people. A photograph of the person
would also be useful.
Who will translate documents?
If any documents need to be translated, the central authority will arrange
this at no cost to you.
How does someone living outside the UK claim against someone in
the UK?
An applicant living in a non-UK jurisdiction must apply through their own
government or legal system. More information is available in our useful
links section.