The Office of the Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales has released its  Annual Report for 2012. Since its establishment in 2005, the Office, headed by the Right Honorable Lord Justice Mathew Thorpe:

has functioned as a centre of expertise and helpdesk for general enquiries in the field of international family law for the judiciary and practitioners in this jurisdiction and overseas. Its main role is to support and facilitate cross-border judicial collaboration and direct judicial communication and to enhance the expertise necessary for handling the large numbers of cases relating to aspects of private international law.

In 2012, the Office fielded 253 requests for assistance, primarily from judges (28%), academics (23%), and practicing barristers and solicitors (33%).

See also Rapid Rise in Global Family Disputes (BBC May 1, 2013)