Family & Relationships
International family lawyers deal with overseas divorces, assets abroad and children taken across borders.
When families span countries, questions arise about which court has jurisdiction, recognising foreign orders, and dividing overseas assets. Where a child has been wrongfully removed to or kept in another country, the Hague Convention may allow for the child's return.
When a family spans countries, the wrong first step can mean losing the chance to have a case heard where you live, or a child being taken beyond reach.
Australia is a party to the Hague Convention on child abduction, with the Commonwealth Central Authority handling return applications. Australian courts can recognise many overseas divorces and orders, and deal with assets located abroad.
International Family Law & Hague Abduction firms in the directory
74 firms
Wantirna South, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Knox Family Law Specialist provides legal services in Wantirna South, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and Property & Conveyancing.
Roma, QLD · Toowoomba & Darling Downs
On Call Lawyers Australia provides legal services in Roma, QLD. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Parenting & Child Custody and Property & Conveyancing.
Understand the next step
Identify the countries, the children’s current location, citizenship or travel documents and any existing orders. International parenting or relocation issues need advice about the specific facts and jurisdictions.
Explain any proposed or recent international travel immediately; a routine family-law appointment may not be an appropriate response to an urgent situation.
Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
Discuss negotiation and family dispute resolution. Parenting applications generally involve prior dispute resolution unless an exception applies; ask the lawyer to assess the appropriate process.
Ask how an agreement would be documented and implemented. Clarify who handles related transfers, finance and estate-planning work.
Ask for separate estimates for advice, negotiation, document preparation and court work. A fixed divorce-application fee does not necessarily cover parenting or financial disputes.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Highlight court dates, proposed travel or relocation and any planned property sale. Ask which time limits apply to your particular issues rather than assuming there is one deadline for everything.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
If the country is a Hague Convention partner, you may be able to seek the child's return through the central authority. Act quickly and get urgent advice.
Not always. A simple divorce application can be filed online without one. It's worth getting advice before you apply if you have children, shared property or superannuation, because divorce starts the clock on time limits for property claims.
Married couples generally have 12 months from the date the divorce becomes final. De facto couples generally have two years from separation. After that you need the court's permission, which is not guaranteed.
