Mirror Agreements (Foreign Agreements)

A mirror agreement is a document that reflects, in the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, an agreement that has already been made — or is being made — in the UK. They are particularly relevant for couples who have assets, property, or family connections in more than one country.

For example, a pre-nuptial agreement made in England and Wales may not be automatically recognised or enforced abroad. A mirror agreement, drafted in the relevant foreign jurisdiction to reflect the same terms, provides additional protection and helps ensure that the parties’ intentions are recognised wherever their assets are located.

Mirror agreements are also used in the context of child arrangements, where one or both parents live in different countries. A mirrored order — an order made in a foreign court reflecting an existing English court order — can be a useful safeguard in international family arrangements to reduce the risk of one party departing from the agreed terms.

The enforceability of foreign agreements or mirror orders in England and Wales depends on a range of factors, including the jurisdiction in which they were made, the applicable law, and whether the agreement is consistent with English public policy.

Terence Ray Solicitors works with international family law specialists and legal networks in other jurisdictions to help clients protect their interests across borders.

For advice on mirror agreements or cross-border family arrangements, call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.