International Divorce Attorney in Chicago
What Is Classified as an International Divorce?
Divorce is difficult at the best of time, and even more so marriages with children, extensive business interests, and substantial assets are involved. When your divorce is international, a new set of challenges can arise. Every country has a unique set of divorce laws, child support laws, and custody laws. If you are planning to divorce a former partner who is in another country or a divorce is in process and you are encountering problems, our experienced Chicago divorce lawyers can help you through these challenges with confidence and skill.
Divorce within the US is governed by federal and state laws. The US civil court system has the legal authority to make decisions and enforce them, but these decisions are not necessarily actionable abroad. An international divorce may involve one or more of the following circumstances:
- You were married in another country
- Your spouse lives overseas
- You own property in another country
- You have a business interests in another country
- You may have international child custody problems
Which Country Has Jurisdiction?
While each country has varying laws regarding divorce, the question of which country has jurisdiction is what matters. In some cases, the two spouses will agree on which country they will choose for primary jurisdiction. In other cases, the divorce will be based in the country where the proceedings have been initiated. In such cases, it is critical to have the knowledge and guidance of an experienced international divorce lawyer to protect your interests and seek a positive result.
What Are the Challenges of International Divorce?
International divorce comes with several challenges beyond the ordinary, including resolving situations such as:
- Determining custody of children between parents living in separate countries
- Dividing property spread across multiple countries and ensuring all documents are in order
- Enforcement of child support and spousal support payments
- Relocation of children across borders
Some governments may not recognize a divorce that was finalized in another country. In such cases, you will need to prove the validity of your divorce – a challenging process.
How to Protect Your Child During an International Divorce
As a parent, the safety and wellbeing of your children are likely top of mind when considering divorce. When the other parent lives overseas, you might be worried that the child could be taken from you and your rights as a parent lost.
Thankfully, most countries follow the Hague Conference on Private International Law, and specifically the section on the civil aspects of international child abduction. This complex set of laws and guidelines provides a framework that we can work in to accomplish custody agreements between the US and many other countries – helping to ensure your children are safe, well cared for, and secure, with a fair and reasonable child custody agreement in place.
How We Can Help
At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we specialize in one area of the law: family law. Unlike other law firms that practice in multiple areas, all our experience and expertise are focused on protecting your rights and interests in matters involving divorce, children, and other related issues. Our family law attorneys have extensive experience and the resources to help navigate the complexities of international divorce and avoid pitfalls that could lead to very serious problems.
Contact Our Chicago Divorce Lawyers Today
If you are facing circumstances in which an international divorce is your best option, or you are struggling to resolve an international divorce that is in process we are here to help. We help you with rational answers to emotional situations and have earned a reputation as arguably some of the best Chicago international divorce attorneys in the area. Contact us today at (312) 332-2915 to schedule an in-person consultation.
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Client Reviews
5 Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for
Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated, emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interest and the best interest of my son. She is always prompt in getting back to me and in keeping me well informed about my case.
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