Frank Arndt of Stowe Family Law is a German Rechtsanwalt and Solicitor and a qualified German Judge and a registered EU-Lawyer, who now practices as an international family lawyer in England. He supported Carly with pro-bono legal advice during her case, after Carly had seen between 70 and 80 solicitors in the UK and was unable to find someone with the necessary international expertise to help.

Carly found Frank’s contact details through Reunite, a UK charity specialising in international children’s law issues, of which Mr Arndt is a member.

Frank provided advice on the complicated childcare issues and represented Carly in the German courts, following which the Judge ordered that both children should travel to England to see their mother.

German social services did not follow this order, appealing the decision and even being fined €10,000 for not complying with the judge. Tragically, Carly lost her fight with cancer days before the appeal hearing scheduled to take place in court.

Frank Arndt said: “It is a tragedy that, despite the best efforts of the German court system and all those involved in the campaign, this situation has still not been resolved.”

“This case is a crystal-clear demonstration of the complexities of international family law and how paramount getting the best legal advice is.”

“The injustices of Carly’s case have deeply shaken me – I have been left despairing at my own profession on several occasions.”

“All I hope now is that justice can be done for Carly and Jean."

More information on Frank Arndt

FRANK F. F. ARNDT, a fluent English, Dutch and German speaker, heads the International Family Law Department at one of the UK’s top family law firms, Stowe Family Law LLP. Frank joined the firm in 2002, following postings in Germany and the Netherlands, and is one of the very few family lawyers practicing in England who also has higher rights of audience in the Federal Court in Germany. He is a Solicitor and a qualified German Judge and Rechtsanwalt and a registered European Lawyer.

Frank specialises in jurisdictional cases, the tracing of undisclosed offshore assets and high net worth cases with complex financial arrangements and international corporate and offshore business and trust elements. He represents international sport professionals and is a member of the International Society of Family Law and the International Bar Association; his network of valuable legal contacts spans the globe. In addition, he advises a number of overseas lawyers in relation to English and German family law.

Notes to editors:
Stowe Family Law LLP is led by Marilyn Stowe – one of the UK’s leading divorce lawyers – at the Old Court House, Raglan Street, Harrogate. The firm also recently opened (June 08) an office in Hale, Cheshire in response to client demand.
The expert team comprises 16 specialist lawyers (including an Anglo-German lawyer), and two forensic accountants. It also includes lawyers who are fully trained as mediators.