Our law firm has handled divorce/dissolution cases from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. Interstate and international divorce/dissolution and custody cases often involve complex questions of jurisdiction, service, and enforcement of foreign court orders. These cases sometimes include the issue of parental abduction (or prevention of parental abduction) or wrongful retention of a minor child in a foreign state or country.

Jurisdictional questions arise because jurisdiction over the parties, jurisdiction over the parties’ divorce, jurisdiction over child custody, and jurisdiction over child support are all governed by distinct laws and treaties. A party may attempt to have their case heard in one jurisdiction over another because that party believes the laws or the courts may be more favorable in a particular jurisdiction. Similarly, questions related to service of process and enforcement are complex and depend on interstate and international law.

Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, we will develop a plan to address your family’s needs in conjunction with the requirements of applicable law.

For more information:

Minnesota Child Custody and Support Deskbook, "Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues," Minnesota State Bar Association, September 2006, Thomas W. Tuft and Valerie D. Arnold.

“International Parental Child Abduction,” Bench & Bar, December 2004, Volume LXI Number XI, Valerie D. Arnold and Thomas W. Tuft.

“International Custody Jurisdiction: The Hague Convention,” Minnesota State Bar Association Family Law Forum, Spring 2002, Volume 12, No. 3, Thomas W. Tuft and Valerie D. Arnold.

“Preventing Parental Kidnapping: Jurisdictional and Enforcement Issues,” Minnesota State Bar Association Family Law Forum, Spring 2002, Volume 12, No. 3, Thomas W. Tuft and Valerie D. Arnold.

“Determining Child Custody Across Jurisdictions,” Bench & Bar, December 1999, Volume LVI Number XI, Thomas W. Tuft and Valerie D. Arnold.

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