Interstate & International Family Law Disputes

With the rise of social media, dating apps, and increased global mobility, relationships and families are often spread across different states and countries. Many marriages involve spouses from different locations, and children are frequently born into families with parents from different states or countries. While this can be enriching, it also complicates legal matters such as divorce, child custody, and support disputes. 

Interstate and international family law disputes arise when couples from different jurisdictions seek divorce, child custody, parentage determinations, or support orders in California courts.

At LLM Family Law, we have over 100 years of combined experience handling complex interstate and international family law disputes. Our team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that legal proceedings are handled efficiently and effectively. If you are facing an interstate or international family law dispute, contact us for skilled legal representation.

What if My Spouse or Co-Parent is in Another Country?

A California court can make orders and judgments involving individuals in other countries if it has jurisdiction to do so. The specific jurisdictional requirements vary based on the legal issue. For example:

• Child custody matters are governed by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
• Child support matters must comply with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)
• Divorce (dissolving the status of a marriage) has residency requirements

In addition to jurisdiction, several additional hurdles arise in international cases, including:

• Service of process - Subject to international treaties and foreign legal requirements
• Discovery issues - Obtaining depositions, financial records, and property documents from abroad can be complicated and time-consuming
• Enforcement of judgments - A court order from California may need to be enforced in a foreign country, which can involve separate legal proceedings

Likewise, California courts can enforce valid foreign judgments and orders, but this typically requires initiating enforcement proceedings in California.

Given the complexities of international family law, it is critical to work with an experienced international family lawyer who understands jurisdictional laws and international enforcement mechanisms.

If you are dealing with cross-border family law issues, our team can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.

Interstate Family Law Disputes

Like international cases, interstate family law disputes require courts to determine whether they have jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter involved. Fortunately, interstate cases often involve more streamlined procedures due to federal and uniform state laws that promote cooperation, such as:

• The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) - Governs child custody disputes across state lines
• The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) - Regulates child support jurisdiction across states
• The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution - Requires states to recognize valid court orders from other states

Despite these legal frameworks, interstate cases still involve unique legal challenges that require careful attention. If you are involved in an interstate family law dispute, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate jurisdictional and enforcement issues and protect your rights.

Contact Our Team Today

When dealing with interstate or international family law disputes, it is crucial to have an experienced family law attorney on your side. These cases involve complex legal issues that require careful strategy and knowledge of jurisdictional laws. At LLM Family Law, we are committed to helping families resolve cross-border legal matters efficiently and effectively.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.