Foreign Marriages
You may have married in Europe or another part of the world, but now you live in New York and want to divorce.
In many instances, the questions are overwhelming:
- What law applies?
- Where does the divorce happen?
- How do I fulfill residency requirements?
- Does it matter whose fault it is?
- What happens to property or assets in another country?
- How does career affect international divorce?
- How will international parents see minor children?
- What happens if the other spouse violates the agreement in another country?
Our office clarifies these matters for you. We’ve obtained extremely favorable results for clients who have relocated to New York after marrying in foreign countries with or without foreign marriage contracts.
How international divorce in New York is different
Over the past twenty-five years, Robert Michaels has helped many European spouses in New York with family matters, including divorce, asset distribution, child custody, and support matters.
We remain sensitive to the fact that you have more to deal with than just the emotional change in a divorce—you may have to consider more complex ideas or strategy in order to protect yourself, because of international jurisdiction issues.
In New York, divorce is granted on grounds of fault unless you live apart and separately for a year and possess a valid, binding separation agreement that the parties have satisfied as the basis for the divorce.
New York divides property under a standard of equitable distribution—anything from stocks and bonds to the value of professional licenses may be subject to valuation and distribution.
Our office is here to help clients from other countries when there are issues surrounding New York jurisdiction.
