Any experience of English expat divorce?

[FlounderingWildly]

Considering my options. British couple living in mainland Europe, 2 dc aged 8 and 3. Anyone got any experience of a British divorce whilst living abroad? Especially in relation to coming back home with the kids.

We have a jointly owned property in UK with mortgage and all family are in uk. H works ft. I am freelance but only earning a little as it's nigh on impossible to work here with workaholic partner who is often away and all local childcare finishes at 4.30.

If you divorce whilst still both overseas, one partner could easily force the other to remain (or the children to remain) in that country.

I filed for divorce in UK, after 11yr marriage abroad, X from another EC country. But we were all living in UK at the time I filed, had been for 6 months. Subsequently and very stupidly withdrew petition due to EA pressure from X. It would've taken 6-9 weeks. Now proceedings underway in his country and still not divorced 2.5 yrs later as he won't let kids live with me.
What's his position on where DCs should live? It all hinges on that.

I think I will be better off playing the long game here then. We are (hopefully) due to move back in about 15 months. That will give me time to put together a plan and put aside some money. It also means if he tries to renege on our agreed time out here I'm that much more armed with information and ready to go ahead. I can spend the time researching and planning.

Gutted but the thought of having to separate and stay here is worse than biding my time.
Thank you for all your help and advice. It really is appreciated.

Thanks for the heads up babybarrister I will have a look. Tbh me being here suits him. He works long hours and is away a lot and because I sort everything out he doesn't have to. Lots of day to day life is not so bad but the balance we have between us us not good. It's too far favoured towards him. He has it good and he knows it. But he is not abusive and it would not be in his nature to file without a discussion first. And neither would i. But I would want to be armed to the teeth prior to a discussion! I hope that makes sense?

Thanks for your recommendation and all your help babybarrister I really appreciate it