Oklahoma City International Family Law Attorney

International family law issues can be complex, often with severe long-term implications. An Oklahoma City international family law attorney can help you resolve disputes involving international custody, parental relocation, jurisdictional issues, and the enforcement of family law orders across national borders.

These situations may involve legal issues from more than one country and may also involve international treaties and conventions. It is critical to have an attorney who has experience in both United States and international family law. The attorneys at Bundy Law guide people through international family law issues with strategic legal counsel designed to protect parental rights and help ensure compliance with all applicable legal standards.

Hire a Family Law Attorney

Bundy Law provides unparalleled experience in international family law matters. Aaron Bundy is the only attorney in Oklahoma who is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and represents parties in complex cross-border family law issues, including Hague Convention cases.

The Oklahoma City family law attorneys at our firm also maintain membership in organizations such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, signaling a depth of experience in complex family law disputes that also involve jurisdictional and international issues.

International Child Abduction and Hague Convention Matters

International parental child abduction cases involve the alleged wrongful removal or retention of a child across international borders. These cases are typically governed by the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which provides procedures for determining a child’s habitual residence and for the availability of return remedies.

According to the U.S. Department of State, there were 721 open Hague Convention cases involving 982 children pending. Hague cases in Oklahoma City may involve coordination among state, federal, and foreign central authorities.

An international family law attorney with Hague case experience can guide you through the treaty procedures, evidentiary requirements, and sometimes strict time constraints that may apply in international child abduction cases.

Jurisdiction and Competing Court Authority in International Family Law Cases

In international cases, there are often competing jurisdictional claims as more than one country may claim authority over a dispute. Jurisdiction can be based on a child’s habitual residence, citizenship, or a previous order.

Jurisdiction may be contested in international cases. Hague Convention proceedings often involve issues of habitual residence and return, and custody jurisdiction is determined by the domestic law that would otherwise apply.

The Hague Convention applies in over 100 Contracting States worldwide. International jurisdiction issues may be relevant in Oklahoma City cases when one parent lives in another country or when a prior order was issued in a foreign country. Jurisdiction is often addressed at the beginning of a case. Filing in the wrong place may slow the resolution of the dispute or impact the enforceability of a resulting order.

Enforcing and Challenging Family Law Orders Across International Borders

As anyone who has been through a child custody or access case in Oklahoma City knows, these matters can be difficult. When the case involves parties from different countries, international travel and foreign laws become part of the mix.

Enforcement and jurisdictional issues can also be very different from those in typical local cases, as international treaties and cooperation with foreign officials are also involved. International family law cases can even be connected to Will Rogers World Airport in certain situations, such as an alleged wrongful removal or return of a child.

Foreign Recognition

In some cases, foreign recognition of an order must be obtained before any enforcement action can be taken, and even then, if the foreign country is a Hague Convention partner, enforcement is not automatic.

Often, these actions involve careful travel planning and coordination with foreign officials and/or treaty procedures. When you hire a family law attorney with experience in international family law matters, they can be a great help in planning how enforcement should be structured.

FAQs

What Makes an International Family Law Case Different From a Domestic Case?

International family law cases are those that involve more than one legal system. This can impact questions of jurisdiction, choice of law, and enforcement. These cases may also involve interactions with foreign counsel, foreign government agencies, or international authorities.

Even a seemingly straightforward family law matter can raise difficult issues where another country’s laws, language, or procedures are also implicated. For this reason, early strategic planning is particularly important.

Do International Family Law Matters Always Involve the Hague Convention?

Although the Hague Convention is important and provides a remedy in international child abduction cases, many international family law cases fall outside of the Convention’s scope. For example, where there is an international divorce, international division of assets, or parenting arrangements between countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention, there are no treaty-based remedies available, and different legal approaches must be taken.

Can International Family Law Cases Involve Business or Overseas Assets?

International family law issues can also include assets that are located in different countries. These can take various forms, such as business interests, real estate, or investment accounts. Resolving these issues can also involve knowledge of foreign property laws, valuation standards, and disclosure requirements. These matters can be especially relevant for business owners or executives with international financial holdings.

When Should Someone Contact an International Family Law Attorney?

Issues of international family law should be acted on at the earliest possible time, particularly when international travel, relocation, or cross-border decision-making is in issue. Delays often make it difficult to determine jurisdiction, narrow the available remedies, or create enforcement issues. Early legal advice helps to clarify available options and avoid unintended legal entanglements in other jurisdictions.

Contact an Oklahoma City International Family Law Attorney

Cases involving international issues can be more challenging. In addition to dealing with family law concerns, parents may have to navigate more than one country’s legal system. The issues in these cases are often more complex and may involve more at stake financially or personally. This is why it is important to plan carefully.

At Bundy Law, our Oklahoma City lawyers handle international custody, jurisdictional, and family law cases with a practical, strategic focus. We understand the added complexity and can help parents understand their options. If your family is affected by international legal issues, we can help you to protect your interests. Call for a consultation and learn more.