Interstate and International Litigation
Interstate and international family law disputes are becoming increasingly common. As people have increasing ties to multiple states or countries, they inevitably encounter greater complexity when getting a divorce. S.L. Pitts, a top family law firm in Seattle, Washington, has a team of attorneys specializing in disputes falling under interstate and international family law.
Family law issues in divorce , such as child custody, spousal support, property division, and prenuptial agreements, become more complicated when interstate and international family law comes into play.
For instance, when a spouse moves from one state to another and initiates divorce proceedings, the question arises as to the proper state in which the divorce should proceed. Or a father may stop paying child support after moving to a new state, in which case the question arises as to the proper procedure for enforcement of child support.
In some cases, a couple maintains residences in two U.S. states or countries, and spends significant time in both; in that case, the first spouse to file may be able to dictate the state in which the divorce will take place.
Though it is rare, sometimes a parent kidnaps a child and flees to a foreign country, in which case the attorney will need to quickly ascertain whether and how the child can be secured and returned to their home country.
These are only a few of the many issues that could arise in the area of interstate and international family law disputes.
Initial Jurisdiction in Interstate and International Family Law Disputes
Often, one of the first questions people facing a family law dispute in Seattle, Washington, from Bellevue to Tacoma, or Everett, grapple with is the state or country within which to bring their legal claim. Lawyers refer to this issue as jurisdiction. Jurisdictional questions in Washington family law are complex because any given case in the Seattle area may contain multiple issues, each with its own jurisdictional analysis.
Distinct Legal Issues in an Interstate and International Divorce
A single divorce may contain the following distinct legal issues:
- changing the marital status to unmarried;
- dividing property between the spouses;
- custody order for the children;
- child support;
- alimony/spousal support;
- restraining orders in cases of domestic violence.
It is quite possible for one or more states to have jurisdiction over some, but not all, of these issues.
The financial stakes in a Seattle divorce can be substantial, particularly when determining spousal maintenance. Consider a couple in their mid-40s living in the Seattle area who have been married for 16 years, where one spouse earns $500,000 net per year and the other earns $100,000 net per year. Unlike jurisdictions that apply rigid statutory formulas, King County Superior Court judges evaluate spousal maintenance based on the specific economic realities of the marriage and each party’s earning capacity. Under Washington State law, maintenance for a marriage of this duration is typically rehabilitative and transitional rather than indefinite. In local practice, the lower-earning spouse might anticipate maintenance for approximately four to five years, often structured on a step-down schedule, starting around $75,000 for the first year and tapering down to a total gross award of roughly $250,000. Understanding how Washington law and King County judicial discretion shape these outcomes is essential for tech workers, executives, and couples across Seattle and Bellevue.
Consulting with an experienced Seattle family law attorney early ensures your financial rights are protected and your maintenance strategy aligns with Washington court standards.
Relocation and Enforcement of Orders in Interstate and International Divorce / Separation Cases
It is quite common for former partners to relocate after a separation or divorce. In that event, it may become necessary to enforce an order in the state to which the relocating partner has moved. It may also be possible for the relocating party to seek an adjustment of an existing court order under the new state’s laws – laws that may be more favorable to the moving party. Additionally, long-distance co-parenting in Washington can also require communication and additional parenting plans. The law in this area is complex and anybody who is moving or whose former partner is moving is well advised to speak with an experienced family law attorney about issues related to modification and/or enforcement arising from the planned relocation.
Protection of Parental Rights in an Interstate and International Child Custody Case
There are both state and international laws designed to prevent a parent from abducting a child and travelling to another state or country. Within the United States, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA) generally control which state may exercise jurisdiction over child custody disputes (Massachusetts is the only state not to adopt the UCCJEA). In general terms, these laws grant child custody determinations to the child’s “home state,” which is defined as where the child lived for the six months prior to litigation. The only real exception to this rule is for a parent fleeing domestic violence to another state – in which case the laws will allow the new state to exercise jurisdiction over custody matters.
In addition, what is commonly referred to as the Hague Convention (more specifically, it was ratified as The International Child Abduction Remedies Act), attempts to prevent a parent from wrongfully taking a child to another country. Similar to the UCCJEA, the Hague Convention prohibits a child’s wrongful removal from their “habitual residence.” However, the Hague Convention only applies to those countries who have adopted it (and even then, compliance isn’t stellar) and it only applies to children under 16 years old.
Whether proceeding under state or international law, when seeking to have a child returned that was wrongfully taken, it is imperative to act quickly. These laws are designed to provide for the almost immediate return of the child, but they require the wronged parent to initiate legal proceedings. When seeking to secure the return of an abducted child, having the help of an experienced attorney is invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interstate and International Family Law
Why is jurisdiction a critical factor in interstate or international family law disputes?
Jurisdiction dictates the state or country that has the authority to hear a case, and selecting it is a high-stakes decision because the location can significantly erode or enhance a party’s substantive legal rights.
Who decides the jurisdiction if a married couple maintains residences in two different places?
In cases where spouses spend significant time in multiple jurisdictions, the first spouse to file for divorce is often able to dictate the state in which the divorce will proceed.
What happens if a former partner relocates to a new state after a separation or divorce?
Relocation may require enforcing an existing court order in the relocating partner’s new state. Additionally, long-distance co-parenting in Washington often requires updated communication protocols and revised parenting plans.
Can the relocating party use their new state’s laws to their advantage?
Yes, the relocating party may be able to seek an adjustment of an existing court order under the new state’s laws if those laws are more favorable to them.
How does U.S. law protect against parental kidnapping across state lines?
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA) generally grant child custody jurisdiction to the child’s “home state,” which is legally defined as where the child lived for the six months prior to litigation.
Is there any exception to the “home state” rule?
The primary exception is for a parent fleeing domestic violence to another state. In such cases, the laws allow the new state to exercise jurisdiction over custody matters.