International Family Law

International Family Law

In our mobile world, parents may not live in the same country. This can create unique and difficult issues that may be specific to the countries involved.

We have experience in utilizing the procedures under the Hague Convention with respect to matters involving International Child Abduction. The Hague Convention seeks to protect children from the harmful effects of abduction and retention across international boundaries.

The procedures to be followed in these matters are very specific.

Jurisdictional issues can also exist when the payor of child or spousal/partner support does not live in Alberta or even Canada.

There are specific, legislated processes to follow to obtain a new or updated support order and to enforce support between jurisdictions. Unfortunately these specific procedures are more cumbersome and time consuming than the processes that are followed when both parties reside in the same jurisdiction. The family and divorce lawyers at SVR are knowledgeable in this area and are able to help clients whose matters involve an inter-jurisdictional element.

SVR Lawyers is a member of Mackrell International Law Network that covers 60 different countries. Through this affiliation we have access to lawyers in many jurisdictions. This is a valuable affiliation as it means that we have contacts in many countries that can help with things such as jurisdiction specific information or when additional assistance is needed in another country.