In the D.C. and Northern Virginia areas, international relationships are commonplace. When those relationships dissolve, the resulting family law matters can become unexpectedly complex.
When a spouse is a foreign national, family members live outside the United States, or marital assets are located abroad, the process of divorce requires the guidance of an experienced international family law attorney. The international legalities of divorce, child custody, property division, spousal support, and other family law matters in international cases can literally be worlds apart from what is typical in domestic cases.
Each case is unique when facing the variances of international divorce law. There are a number of divorce requirements and procedures overseas that differ from those in the United States, which makes the choice of jurisdiction a crucial decision. There may also be issues regarding immigration and citizenship surrounding the divorce.
Financial complexities related to assets, taxes, and spousal and child support may also complicate the legal dissolution of an international marriage.
At Curran Moher Weis we have the expertise to secure the proper jurisdiction for your case while providing you with aggressive, knowledgeable legal counsel throughout your divorce.
An often complex and contested issue in international family law involves child custody and visitation rights, including the determination of where children will reside. Even in an amicable division, these issues may be complicated by the international nature of the divorce. If a parent wishes to move children out of the United States, it is wise to consult an attorney with a background in international child visitation and support, for either the custodial or non-custodial parent.
In a divisive divorce, this parental “kidnapping” (where a parent removes a child from his or her home country in an attempt to influence the child custody arrangement) does sometimes occur. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction provides judicial remedies in certain cases for those seeking the return of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained. Not all countries abide by the Hague Convention and finding people overseas can be difficult. There are also steps parties can take to significantly reduce the risk that a parent with international ties takes a child to a foreign country to live in the first place. Maintaining your parental legal rights is of utmost importance.
The valuation and division of property in an international divorce can present a range of complexities. Essential to the effort is properly locating and valuing property, assets, and businesses that are often hidden or undervalued. In such cases, the selection, coordination, and presentation of the right professionals are essential to support your international divorce case in court. Our legal team at Curran Moher Weis is particularly qualified to represent your international family law case with the support of our financial experts.
The best Fairfax International Family Lawyer at Curran Moher Weis can help guide you through the complex waters of international family law while representing your best interests along the way. Call us now at (571) 328-5020 or request a consultation today.
G.B.
Brad
K.H.
Jacquelyn
