Is it permissible for the Sharia Council in London to annul a marriage in absentia without the husband's consent, given that the conditions for divorce (talaq) or khul' are not met?

The basic principle is that khul' (divorce at the instance of the wife in return for a compensation) is valid only with the consent of both spouses. However, a judge may rule for khul' if the wife is being harmed and the husband refuses [to divorce her]. Islamic centers act as Sharia courts in non-Muslim countries. If a woman obtains a civil divorce, she should approach Islamic centers to finalize the matter according to Sharia. The custody of young children belongs to the mother, unless there is an impediment. A boy is given the choice after seven years, and a girl stays with her father after seven years of age.