United Kingdom joins 2005 Choice of Court and 2007 Child Support Conventions

On 28 September 2020, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland deposited its instrument of accession to the HCCH Convention of 30 June 2005 on Choice of Court Agreements (2005 Choice of Court Convention) and its instrument of ratification to the HCCH Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (2007 Child Support Convention).

The United Kingdom is currently bound by both the 2005 Choice of Court Convention and 2007 Child Support Convention by virtue of the approval of the European Union. These new instruments of accession and ratification ensure continuity in the application of these Conventions after the conclusion of the transition period following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. Both Conventions will continue to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom until 31 December 2020, in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement. The 2005 Choice of Court Convention and 2007 Child Support Convention will then enter into force for the United Kingdom on 1 January 2021.

The United Kingdom has been a Member of the HCCH since 1955 and is currently bound by 13 HCCH Conventions. Currently, 31 States and the EU are bound by the 2005 Choice of Court Convention, and 40 States and the EU are bound by the 2007 Child Support Convention. More information is available on the Choice of Court Section and the Child Support Section of the HCCH website.