International Families

Immigration

For Better or Worse? Complexities of Marriage-Based Immigration

Maurice Goldman

“I’m a U.S. Citizen in Love with a Foreigner, What’s Next?” is the question posed and explored in this article discussing immigration through marriage, with a helpful checklist of documents required for marriage-based adjustment of status.

Domestic Relations

What Constitutes a Valid Marriage?

Lindsay V. Mason

Learn what your options are when your client does not have valid proof of marriage, which is vital when applying for a visa based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, inheriting from a deceased intestate spouse, or applying for government benefits.

Domestic Relations

Entering the Forum Shops: How to Initiate a Family Law Action Against a Foreign Party

Ariel Leichter-Maroko

Failure to adequately research, plan, and execute when initiating an action involving a foreign party can have devastating consequences for a client, as well as corresponding financial and professional repercussions for the attorney.

Family

Family Law Disputes Between International Couples in U.S. Courts

Rhonda Wasserman

Find out how U.S. courts contend with family law cases involving international couples, including questions of jurisdiction, division of property, prenuptial agreements and choice-of-law clauses, child custody, recognition of foreign divorces, and forum non conveniens.

Family

International Families and Litigation

Stephen Cullen

This article sheds light on the legal and regulatory hurdles divorcing couples engaged in child custody disputes across international borders face and offers useful practice tips for the left-behind parent and the taking parent.

Children

International Child Support Issues with a U.S. Element

Michael S. Coffee

The six categories of international child support issues that family law practitioners are most likely to encounter in an increasingly global world are detailed.

Children

Mediating International Child Abductions

Melissa Kucinski

The author delves into “the Wild West of global family mediation”—international child abductions and custody disputes—and provides guidance on when to consider mediation in cross-border cases.

Personal Taxation

Uncovering Offshore Assets: Using U.S. Tax Reporting Requirements as a Discovery Tool

Matthew D. Lee

The wave of tax transparency sweeping the globe since the IRS’s 2009 crackdown on hiding assets in offshore tax havens is helping family law practitioners’ discovery process.

Taxation

Foreign Asset Reporting and Taxation Overview

Adam Poutasse and Aliah Molczan

A CPA and forensic accountant summarize important tax reporting and disclosure requirements family law practitioners should be aware of in discovery of offshore assets.

Military & Veterans

International Military Divorce

Bryce D. Neier

When representing a member of the U.S. military or a military spouse, family law attorneys must understand critical issues surrounding military family support regulations, health insurance, and custody and spouse service of process under Hague Conventions.

Family

Here for Our Members

Michael A. Mosberg

These are turbulent times, and we are all struggling in different ways. Be kind to each other, support one another, stay well, and stay safe.

Family

From the Editor in Chief

Kathleen A. Hogan

When an international element is added to the mix of a family law case, practitioners often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The editorial board hopes this internationally focused issue provides some clarity.

Biotechnology

Who Goes on the Child’s Birth Certificate for International Two-Dad Families When a Child Is Born Through Surrogacy in the United States?

Sara R. Cohen and Mathilde Foucault

In international surrogacy cases when two intended fathers are involved, knowing who to list on the child’s birth certificate can be tricky. Artificial reproduction technology law practitioners around the globe weigh in.

Family

Section News

Section members attending the 2020 ABA Section of Family Law Annual Meeting via Zoom elected Officers and Council members. The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for the 2021 elections.