Over many decades, Australia has evolved to become a cosmopolitan society that faces outwards globally. The country attracts immigration from every nationality, and vice-versa, with Australian communities located in most countries around the world.
Our increasingly mobile and technology-based world means that this trend is likely to continue. More families are likely to build up wealth and businesses internationally, and to work and raise families overseas.
When international borders are crossed, a range of potential legal issues can arise, particularly when it comes to the breakdown of a significant relationship.
We have extensive expertise in advising and representing clients (both in Australia and abroad) in family law matters involving the following international aspects:
- international relocation disputes involving children;
- international child abduction, including proceedings under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction;
- ensuring that divorce orders and settlements made overseas are implemented and enforced in Australia, and ensuring that Australian orders are recognised and enforced overseas;
- international child support and child maintenance obligations;
- financial agreements (“pre-nups”) involving assets owned by one and/or both parties overseas;
- financial proceedings involving overseas assets (e.g. real estate, offshore accounts, superannuation, shares, interests in overseas companies) or parties located overseas; and
- jurisdiction or forum disputes (i.e. legal disputes about which country should be responsible for determining the family law proceedings in the first place).
If you have questions regarding international family law issues, contact us to book an appointment with one of our family lawyers.