International Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA

Need an International Divorce Attorney?

Ending a marriage is challenging, and it becomes even more intricate when its an international divorce. At Jafari Law and Mediation Office, we specialize in providing international divorce services in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. With our extensive experience spanning over 20 years and a family-owned ethos, we are adept at handling the unique challenges that come with these proceedings.

Understanding International Divorce

International divorce refers to the dissolution of a marriage where the spouses are from different countries or reside in different jurisdictions. This type of divorce typically involves navigating multiple legal systems, each with its own set of laws and procedures.

The complexity of international divorce requires careful consideration of many things including:

• Jurisdiction: which country’s laws apply to the case can significantly impact the divorce proceedings and arrangements.
• Complex Asset Division: Dividing assets can be particularly complicated in international divorces, especially when dealing with properties, businesses, or investments in multiple countries, each with its own legal system and tax implications.
• Custody and Relocation: Child custody can become highly complex, involving international laws and treaties like the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, especially if a parent wants to relocate with a child across international borders.
• Enforcement of Orders: Implementing and enforcing court orders for for things such as spousal support and child support across different jurisdictions can be challenging and may require cooperation between legal systems of the involved countries.

What is Considered an International Divorce?

An international divorce occurs when there are two or more countries involved in divorce due to elements such as citizenship, property ownership, residence and more. This type of divorce can be more complex than a typical domestic divorce due to the involvement of multiple legal systems and jurisdictions. Several situations can lead to an international divorce, each with unique challenges and legal implications.

• Spouses are citizens of different countries: When each spouse holds citizenship in a different country, determining which country’s laws apply can be complicated. Each country may have different rules and regulations concerning divorce, property division, and child custody.
• Spouses are living in different countries: If the spouses live in separate countries, deciding where to file for divorce becomes crucial. This situation often arises when one spouse moves abroad for work or other reasons, while the other remains in the home country.
• The marriage was registered in a different country from where they currently reside: Couples who marry in one country but live in another must navigate the laws of both the country where the marriage was registered and their current country of residence.
• One or both spouses have assets in multiple countries: When assets such as property, bank accounts, or businesses are located in different countries, the division of these assets during a divorce can be particularly challenging.

What Country Should I File My Divorce in?

When deciding which country to file for an international divorce in, consider several key factors. First, determine which country’s courts have jurisdiction, influenced by residency, nationality, and where the marriage took place. For instance, if one spouse resides in France and the other in the United States, both countries might have jurisdiction. Next, examine the applicable laws, as different countries have varying rules on divorce, property division, child custody, and support. Some jurisdictions may offer more favorable outcomes for specific issues like spousal support or asset division.

Additionally, ensure the divorce will be recognized in all relevant countries to avoid complications in legal standing and future remarriages. Consider the rules for handling assets in multiple countries, as jurisdictions differ on property division. Child custody and support can be particularly challenging when parents live in different countries, often requiring adherence to international treaties like the Hague Convention.

Learn More About Hague Conventions Here

What to Expect From Our International Divorce Lawyer

With our international divorce lawyer, you can expect comprehensive legal expertise tailored to the complexities of cross-border family law disputes. Our attorneys are adept at navigating multiple legal systems and understanding the intricacies of international treaties, such as the Hague Conventions on child abduction, matrimonial property, and maintenance obligations. We will guide you through jurisdictional challenges, ensuring that the appropriate legal venue is selected and that all procedural requirements are met.

Additionally, we handle the service of documents and collection of evidence across borders, facilitating cooperation with foreign courts and authorities. We will also focus on securing the recognition and enforcement of divorce decrees and related orders in different countries, while safeguarding your rights and interests, particularly concerning property division, child custody, and support arrangements. Overall, our international divorce lawyer provides specialized and strategic legal support to navigate the multifaceted challenges of dissolving a marriage across international boundaries.