The divorce rate among couples abroad is significantly higher than averae so even if you are happily coupled it is wise to be familiar with the complexities and pitfalls of international divorce and the documents and agreements that are essential before you leave your home country. Magali van Maanen, an esteemed divorce lawyer and mediator with nearly two decades of experience at De Boorder Advocaten in Amsterdam gives us an overview and some sage advice about divorcing abroad.. What struck me most was Magali's profound perspective on divorce as a "threshold to a whole new life" rather than simply an ending, a powerful reframe.

The conversation is about how living abroad amplifies both personal growth and relationship challenges. As Magali explains, when you're building a life in a new country, certain personality traits emerge that you never knew existed. 

This episode is a a must listen in your life abroad

In this clip of the full episode: 

• Why consulting a divorce lawyer before making final decisions can really save a lot of time and money for international couples 

• The reality that children within the marriage abroad can cause unknown limitations or complexity that you didn’t foresee. For example: children cannot leave the Netherlands without both parents' agreement so parents might have to remain in the NL because the other spouse wants to stay.

• Spousal support is vastly different from one country to another–check before you act

• Considering the importance of securing your own visa rather than relying solely on a partner's 

• Magali's transformative question: "What do you want your life to look like in three years?" 

• Why international relocations often become make-or-break moments for relationships

For Magali's complete wisdom and practical guidance, listen to the full episode at https://www.houseofperegrine.com/podcast/ep-059. Connect with Magali at De Boorder Advocaten through their website, and remember, seeking advice doesn't mean you're getting divorced; it means you're making informed decisions about your future.

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