INTERNATIONAL FAMILY LAW

International Family Law

The Law Office of Brent D. Seymour provides international family law services to clients throughout the Bay Area and Solano County, and internationally. With social mobility and the rise of multiple domiciles, family law disputes are increasingly extending beyond national jurisdictions.

young child and a woman look at a plane

Brent Seymour has many years of experience in International Family Law, including international divorce international financial issues, international/instate custody and visitation under the UCCJEA[1], interstate child support under UIFSA[2] , and international child abduction under the Hague Convention and the UCCJEA. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and has developed an international network of top family lawyers in many countries to assist in international divorce and custody issues.

If you were married in a foreign country, or you or your spouse are from another country and you a seeking divorce in California, the issues involved in divorce and child custody are complex. We are experienced in international family law issues, and will assist you with all of your family law needs.

When such a family law dispute arises, conflicting jurisdictional issues must first be resolved before the underlying custody, support or property division can be addressed. In some cases, the objective will be to establish California as the jurisdiction where the underlying dispute will be resolved. In other cases, the objective will be to contest California jurisdiction. Clients with international custody or property disputes must be very careful not to do something that inadvertently surrenders or jeopardizes their rights. The sooner you talk with us, the better we will be able to protect you. The Law Office of Brent D. Seymour can advise and represent you in such matters.

International Custody Disputes and the Hague Convention

Child custody disputes can present complicated legal issues. When these disputes extend across national borders, they can become even more complex.

The Law Office of Brent D. Seymour represents parents in these types of international custody situations:

  • S. residents whose children have been taken to another country
  • Foreign residents whose children have been brought to the U.S.
  • S. residents who have brought their children to the U.S. against the wishes of the other parent
  • Foreign residents who have taken their children from the U.S. against the wishes of the other parent

For parents in these situations, an international treaty — The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction — provides a means to decide whether the child will be returned to the country of his or her habitual residence. The Convention applies to any child under the age of 16 who was habitually resident in a country that is a party to the treaty.

International custody disputes involving non-signatory nations present more complicated legal issues. Often it will require application of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

We have a depth of experience in both the Hague Convention and UCCJEA and can address these complicated legal issues with the aim of achieving your goals and protecting your rights.

International Property Issues

The Law Office of Brent D. Seymour also represents clients in property division matters involving property and assets in other nations. We have established relationships with numerous family lawyers throughout the world. We can work with them when necessary in the effort to achieve your goals.

International Family Law Issues In The Bay Area And Solano County

Divorce and other family law issues are already emotionally challenging and difficult. When you are forced to deal with such issues on an international level, the problems can expand exponentially. What laws pertain to your situation? Do you have to pursue your case here in the U.S., or do you have to do so in the other country? We can help you understand the facts surrounding your situation, and can assist you in determining exactly what steps to take to achieve the legal outcomes you are looking for.

If your case can be pursued here in California, we will represent you throughout the entire process. If you do need to take care of matters in another country, we can refer you to counsel that you can trust. While your legal issues are being addressed in the other country, we will be here ensuring that everything in the U.S. is also being handled appropriately.

Contact the Law Office of Brent D. Seymour Today

Please contact the Law Office of Brent D. Seymour now to discuss your international family law case. We are ready to go to work for you.

[1] The UCCJEA, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act, is the statutory scheme enacted throughout almost all states that determines which state or country will have exclusive jurisdiction to decide custody and visitation issues.

[2] UIFSA, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, regulates enforcement of out of state support orders.

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