Conventions and agreements
The UK is a signatory to several international conventions on maintenance obligations, such as:
- the 1956 United Nations Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance;
- the 1968 Brussels Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgements in Civil and Commercial Matters; and
- the 1973 Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions Relating to Maintenance Obligations.
In addition, the UK has Agreements for maintenance enforcement with most members of the Commonwealth, with the Republic of Ireland, and with most of the United States of America.
The precise nature of reciprocity available between the UK and another jurisdiction depends on the convention or agreement to which the other country is a signatory.