Divorces granted by a court in the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) are automatically recognised in each part of the UK. Similarly, legal divorces granted in the European Union are recognised within the European Union except in exceptional circumstances.
Outside the European Union, a foreign divorce will usually be recognised if it was granted as a result of judicial proceedings adopting the correct procedure of the local law. However, where the divorce was granted without the involvement of judicial proceedings, such as religious divorces, eg talaqs, specialist advice is required. The English court will be cautious about recognising such divorces, particularly where no notice has been given to the wife.
Transnational divorces commenced in one country and completed by registration in another will not be recognised.
If a foreign divorce is not recognised in England, either you or your spouse may be able to apply for a divorce here and, in consequence, financial provision.