Colorado Child Custody Attorneys: International Custody Disputes
Protecting Your Parental Rights Across Continents
Stowell, P.C., is one of just a few law firms in the Denver metropolitan area that has significant experience dealing with the unique legal problems that arise when divorce and child custody disputes cross national borders. Our Colorado child custody lawyers have assisted clients in Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa and other parts of the world in child abductions, disappearances and various different custody disputes. Contact us today to discuss your international or interstate custody dispute matter.
Body of Law That Applies to International Child Custody Disputes
The main body of law that applies to divorce, child custody, move-away, child relocation and alimony cases that cross international borders is the Hague Convention. When custody issues occur between nations, the Hague Convention applies. This treaty deals with service of legal process among 66 member countries.
Jurisdiction is a major issue in both interstate and international child custody disputes. The home state is considered to be where the child has lived for the past six months — or, if there is an existing order in place, where the existing child custody order came from. Determining jurisdiction is a fact-intensive process.
What if My Child Is in a Country That Isn't a Hague Member?
Some countries, such as Argentina, Portugal and Iran have not adopted the Hague Convention. In the past, when children were taken to a non-Hague country, the parents and their attorney would sometimes hire subcontractors to go into the outlaw country and take the child illegally. However, the State Department has vocally come out against these reverse-child abductions, and lawyers regularly petition senators, representatives, state officials and foreign embassies to retrieve abducted children.
Schedule an Attorney Consultation
To discuss an interstate and international child custody dispute with a lawyer at Stowell, P.C., call 888-353-9358 or fill out our contact form. From our office in Lone Tree, Colorado, we represent clients in the Denver metropolitan area and throughout Douglas, El Paso and Pueblo Counties.
