Global economies, communications technology, and greater cultural openness have led to an increase in marriages between spouses from different countries. Bellevue Divorce Lawyers increasingly find themselves researching several special issues which can arise when such couples divorce. These include which state or country has jurisdiction over the marriage or property, whether the parties’ marriage is even recognized under U.S. family law, and whether Washington child custody laws apply to the children.

Furthermore, when one party has strong ties to another country there is a danger that that party may abscond with a child to that country in order to avoid child custody laws in the U.S. In order to prevent this, the United States has entered into an international treaty with many other nations which provides for a process for the return of children to their “home state”. Generally, this means the state in which the child has lived for the past six months. If you think this is a possibility in your case, contact Bellevue Divorce Lawyers who understand the application of this treaty. You can find such Bellevue divorce lawyers at McKinley Irvin.

McKinley Irvin Bellevue Divorce Lawyers have experience in international divorce and child custody cases. We have handled cases which invoke the authority of international treaties, and we have defended against such actions. If your search through Bellevue Divorce Lawyers includes one with international experience, contact our office today and speak to one of our lawyers about your case.