When love knows no borders, sometimes neither does divorce. In a world that has become more connected than ever due to easy access to the internet and social media, marriages that span continents have become increasingly common. With that in mind, complex legal challenges can arise when these relationships end. If you currently need to get an international divorce, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of navigating such a challenging experience. It’s best to go through this legal process with an Atlanta international divorce attorney on your side.
At Davis & Associates, we understand the complexity of international divorce and recognize that we must take a different approach than we would when handling traditional domestic divorce proceedings. While there may be more work involved, we're committed to providing professional legal guidance to address and handle your unique situation.
Give Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLC a call today at (404) 905-8031 to book your free consultation or to speak to an Atlanta International divorce attorney today!
Understanding the Complexity of Cross-Border Divorce Proceedings
International divorce comes with its fair share of legal challenges that can cause stress and frustration for those who aren’t prepared. When you have assets in multiple countries, children who may be citizens of different nations, or even a spouse who resides in an entirely different country, things can become even more complex. There is also a problem with which divorce order will be enforced and if the ruling from the US is recognized by the country where one party is currently living in. Certain countries may recognize the divorce orders from a US state court, while there are those which will require a separate divorce proceedings, which results may not be recognized by the US.
Unfortunately, because of all the work involved, these proceedings can take a major emotional toll on those involved. You're dealing with the end of a relationship you likely thought would last forever, along with many other factors that can impact your life, such as possible separation from children, the loss of international business interests, or the possibility of being unable to return to a country where you've started building a life for yourself.
The Financial Reality of International Divorce Proceedings
One of the biggest concerns for anyone considering international divorce is cost. The answer varies tremendously and is based on several factors, including the complexity of your situation, the number of jurisdictions involved, and how cooperative each party is throughout these proceedings.
International divorce cases typically involve higher legal fees due to the additional research required and the need for coordination with foreign counsel. These divorces often have much longer timelines that require more effort on behalf of the attorneys, such as document translation. Enforcement may also lead to high costs, especially if it is a contested international divorce.
In some instances, an uncontested international divorce may be possible, which would reduce costs and make the entire process much less stressful. However, taking this approach requires both spouses to cooperate while taking the necessary steps to ensure all agreements will be recognized and enforceable in all relevant jurisdictions.
Handling Child Custody Abroad
International child custody arrangements are one of the most challenging parts to any international divorce, requiring parties to seek legal guidance to avoid further complications.
The US signed and recognized the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which protects children from being removed wrongfully from a country and provides a framework on how international child custody cases should be handled. However, it is important to note that not all countries recognize or sign the convention, which can complicate enforcement.
If you’re a parent facing an international custody dispute, you must consider both immediate custody arrangements and long-term implications for your children's citizenship, education, and the relationship they will have with both parents. Let our international divorce lawyers look into the case and work with you to create the best legal action you can take.
Alternative Dispute Resolution in International Divorce Cases
Not every international divorce needs to lead to a lengthy and time-consuming court battle. International divorce mediation attorney services can provide options to former couples interested in taking a more collaborative approach to resolving their family disputes. Mediation allows both parties to develop creative solutions and work with one another to reach an agreement that benefits the family as a unit. Mediated agreements often have better compliance rates.
Even with international mediation, it’s still necessary to have an attorney who will ensure that any agreements reached are legally binding and enforceable in all relevant jurisdictions.
Why You Need Atlanta International Divorce Attorney Services
When divorcing someone from another country and wish to file your divorce in Atlanta, GA, an Atlanta international divorce attorney can benefit you and your case.
Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLC is up-to-date with state, federal and international divorce laws, which will allow us to assist our clients with their international divorce case. Before you begin the process of filing for divorce, your Atlanta international divorce lawyer will discuss strategic considerations to ensure you can make the most informed decisions about how to proceed.
We will also be clear when it comes to the possible outcomes, especially if the international divorce ruling is not recognized in Atlanta or the ruling from the court is not recognized in the country where the other party resides.
The Atlanta Advantage for Expatriate Divorce Cases
Atlanta is known for its diverse community, which made it home for many expats from around the world. With this in mind, expats who wish to file for divorce in Georgia can find an Atlanta expat divorce lawyer who can help them overcome legal challenges, such as their immigration status, international tax responsibilities and others, which can affect their divorce proceedings.
Our Atlanta expat divorce attorney services are aware of these challenges and are ready to provide you with all the legal support you need. We’ll prepare you for all eventualities and ensure you can make the right decisions moving forward despite your current immigration status as an expat living in the US.
Take the Next Step to Get Started with Your International Divorce
International divorce law is complex and time-consuming, but with qualified legal guidance, you can get a head start on the process. Every decision you make, from where to file your motion to how to serve papers on a foreign spouse, can impact the outcome of your case. And while the thought of that may be daunting, help is available. You don’t have to go through an international divorce alone.
At Davis & Associates, we offer free consultations for international divorce cases. During your consultation, we'll review the specific facts of your situation, explain the options available to you under international divorce law, and discuss the steps we can take to achieve a favorable outcome.
Give Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLC a call today at (404) 905-8031 to book your free consultation or to speak to an Atlanta International divorce attorney today!
