Family Law and International Child Custody Matters

ST. LOUIS, Missouri. Getting divorced can be complicated, even when both parents agree about how property will be divided, and where children will reside. But, when individuals who are getting divorced are from two different countries, the questions that need to be addressed can get complicated indeed—especially if there are children involved. For instance, if your spouse plans to move back to his or her home country, there may be a greater risk of abduction. Fortunately, there are important legal protections in place that protect both you and your children.
First of all, if you’re getting divorced in St. Louis, Missouri, it is important to contact a divorce lawyer who understands how international and U.S. law affects divorce. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C.  in St. Louis has handled several cases where there was a high risk of child abduction. Contact the firm if you’re facing an international divorce matter and international child custody matter.
If you are facing divorce with a person who is a dual citizen, a citizen of another country, or from someone who is not a U.S. citizen, it is important to protect your children from being abducted from the U.S. While property and assets can be divided, custody decisions must be made for the children. If one parent plans to return to his or her home country, an international parenting plan will need to be drafted. It is also important to protect your children to make sure that they are not removed from the country illegally. The Hague Abduction Convention is an international law that protects a parent’s rights if their child has been illegally removed from the country. Additionally, under the Hague Abduction Convention, parents may have the right to apply for visitation to see their children if their children reside abroad. Each country may require unique processes, so it is important to speak to an attorney familiar with the convention and the processes involved.
Other concerns with international divorce include the potential loss of immigration status if you’re getting divorced. If you’re concerned about how your divorce will affect immigration, it is important to speak to a family lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. A qualified lawyer can help you negotiate a parenting plan, help you understand your rights, and plan for your future.
Much is at stake in any divorce. According to Forbes, the stakes are even higher when individuals are from different countries. Your partner may attempt to file for divorce in his or home country, where your legal rights may be different, so it is important to speak to a U.S. lawyer as soon as possible to initiate proceedings. Visit www.barbarabehrensdivorceattorney.com to learn more.