Denver International Family Law Attorneys

International Divorce

Divorces with international elements present unique challenges that domestic divorces do not. When one spouse is a foreign national, the couple was married abroad, or marital assets are located in other countries, careful attention to international law and cross-border issues is essential.

Issues We Address in International Divorce:

• Jurisdictional Analysis: Determining where divorce should be filed when multiple countries have potential jurisdiction, considering factors like convenience, applicable law, and enforceability of decrees.
• International Asset Division: Identifying, valuing, and dividing assets located in foreign countries, which may require understanding foreign property laws and working with international counsel.
• International Service of Process:  Properly serving divorce papers on a spouse in a foreign country, which often requires compliance with The Hague Service Convention.
• Non-Citizen Rights: Protecting the rights of non-citizen spouses in divorce proceedings while considering immigration implications.
• Foreign Marriage Recognition: Ensuring that marriages performed abroad are properly recognized for divorce purposes under Colorado law.

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Orders

When you have a custody order, divorce decree, or support order from a foreign country that you need enforced in Colorado, or when you need a Colorado order recognized abroad, our attorneys navigate the complex recognition and enforcement process.

• Foreign Decree Registration: We handle registration of foreign custody and support orders in Colorado courts for enforcement purposes.
• Modification of Foreign Orders: When circumstances have changed, we help modify foreign orders that have been registered in Colorado.
• International Support Enforcement: We pursue child support and spousal maintenance across international borders, utilizing applicable treaties and enforcement mechanisms.

International Adoption

Adopting a child from another country involves multiple legal systems, including the child's country of origin, U.S. immigration law, and Colorado adoption law. Our attorneys help ensure that international adoptions are properly completed and recognized under all applicable jurisdictions, including the necessary readoption or recognition proceedings in Colorado courts.

Why International Family Law Requires Specialized Counsel

International family law cases differ fundamentally from domestic matters in several critical ways:

• Multiple Legal Systems: Cases may involve the laws of multiple countries, international treaties, and federal statutes, requiring attorneys who understand how these frameworks interact.
• Time Sensitivity: International cases often have urgent timelines, particularly abduction cases where delays can affect outcomes and children's wellbeing.
• Coordination Requirements: Successful outcomes may require coordination with foreign courts, government agencies, and international counsel.
• Cultural Competency: Understanding cultural differences and foreign legal traditions helps navigate international disputes effectively.
• Enforcement Challenges: Enforcing orders across international borders requires knowledge of available mechanisms and potential obstacles.

Our International Family Law Credentials

Frost & Beck, PC brings exceptional qualifications to international family law matters:

• Both founding partners hold master's degrees in diplomatic studies, providing advanced understanding of international relations and cross-border legal issues
• Christelle C. Beck served as Adjunct Professor of International Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law
• Referral status with the U.S. Department of State for representing parents in international child abduction cases
• Experience in both federal and state courts handling international family matters
• Established relationships with international counsel in multiple countries

Frequently Asked Questions About International Family Law

What should I do if my child has been taken to another country?

Time is critical in international child abduction cases. Contact an attorney experienced in Hague Convention matters immediately. You should also contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of Children's Issues. Acting quickly preserves your legal options and increases the likelihood of your child's return.

Can I get divorced in Colorado if my spouse lives abroad?

Yes, if you meet Colorado's residency requirements, you can file for divorce here even if your spouse resides in another country. However, proper service of process on your spouse is required, often through procedures established by The Hague Service Convention. Jurisdictional and enforcement issues require careful analysis.

Will a custody order from a foreign country be enforced in Colorado?

Colorado courts may recognize and enforce foreign custody orders, but the process requires registration and court approval. The foreign order must meet certain requirements, and courts retain discretion to modify orders if Colorado has jurisdiction and circumstances warrant modification.

How does international family law affect my immigration status?

Divorce and custody matters can significantly impact immigration status, particularly for spouses whose status depends on the marriage or for parents seeking to relocate children internationally. We coordinate with immigration counsel when these issues arise to protect your legal status while addressing family law matters.

Contact Our International Family Law Team

International family law matters require immediate attention from attorneys who understand the complexities involved. If you face an international custody dispute, child abduction situation, or any family law matter with cross-border elements, contact Frost & Beck, PC for experienced legal counsel.

Call us at (720) 330-4623 or contact us online to discuss your international family law matter. Our Denver office serves clients throughout Colorado and, through our international expertise, assists clients with family law matters across the globe.