How MKFL Can Assist Family Lawyers Outside the United States

MKFL routinely consults with family lawyers overseas to help them create a comprehensive case strategy when their case has some connection to the United States. Melissa is an expert on various uniform laws that determine jurisdiction over child custody and child support in the United States, and can assist foreign family lawyers as part of their legal team.

When appropriate, Melissa routinely prepares legal opinions for foreign courts on U.S. jurisdictional principles, the recognition of foreign family law orders, and the application of different Hague Conventions in the United States.

Melissa’s vast network is amplified by her leadership as past or current co-chair of international family law committees within the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, American Bar Association, and New York State Bar Association. She has been a long-time advisor to the U.S. Department of State on its Advisory Committee on Private International Law. She has been a long-standing member of the Uniform Law Commission’s Joint Editorial Board on Uniform Family Law.

Some of the Things MKFL Can Assist With:

  • Knowing when a U.S. family court may accept (or decline) jurisdiction over a child’s custody

  • Knowing when a U.S. family court may accept (or decline) jurisdiction over child support

  • Understanding parallel proceedings between your courts and a U.S. family court

  • Assist in making appropriate arguments for lack of jurisdiction, forum non conveniens, and lis pendens

  • Understanding the process within U.S. Central Authorities and U.S. courts

  • Understanding choice of law and the application of foreign law in U.S. family courts

  • Mediating family law cases where the cross-border family has a connection to the U.S.

  • Understanding the conflicts in marriage and divorce laws

  • Understanding when a U.S. family court will recognize and enforce your court’s family law judgment

  • Strategizing your options for when a child has been abducted into the U.S. or when a child in your country may be returned to the U.S.

  • Advising on a range of other international family law issues, including service of process in the U.S., seeking evidence in the U.S., and authenticating U.S. public documents (including apostilles)