Local Assistance With International Divorce And Family Law Issues
Last updated on August 5, 2025
Family-related legal challenges such as divorce, child custody and asset division become even more complex when international jurisdictions are involved. The best way to resolve matters time- and cost-efficiently while safeguarding your rights is to work with skilled international family law attorneys.
Since 1993, Greco Law has represented the people of Franklin County and the surrounding communities of Ohio in complex international family law matters. Our seven attorneys have experience handling complex, high-asset divorces and other family concerns that involve domestic and international law.
Our attorneys speak Korean and Spanish.
The Experience To Resolve Family Conflicts Across Nations
There is simply no substitute for the level of experience that we have developed by practicing international family law for over 30 years. We have seen a broad spectrum of complex legal situations. Many of our clients’ circumstances have involved:
- Citizenship in a foreign nation
- A business located in a foreign country
- Substantial assets in a foreign country
- Relocation outside of the United States
We can help you resolve issues such as:
- Divorce and dissolution
- Asset and debt division
- Complex financial issues
- Business and divorce
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- International relocation
- Child custody and parenting time
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Traditional litigation
Our firm has a roster of experts and specialists with whom our lawyers regularly collaborate. These experts can provide supplementary evidence and testimony for your side of the case.
How Does International Divorce Work? What About My Assets?
One of the most common questions that prospective clients have is how to handle their divorce if they married in a foreign country or if at least one spouse is a foreign national. In most cases, if you and your spouse got married overseas, one or both of you must live in Ohio for at least six consecutive months before filing for divorce.
Locating and recovering assets in foreign jurisdictions is no mean feat, but we are up to it. Our asset division lawyers have successfully recovered substantial assets that our clients’ spouses tried to hide in far-flung accounts or shell companies overseas. At our fingertips are several acclaimed forensic accountants and other experts who can help with your case.
When Child Custody Disputes Span The Globe
When one parent resides in the U.S. and the other resides in or regularly travels to a foreign nation, child custody and parenting schedules become very difficult. For example, some parents try to take a child abroad and file for custody there with the intention that a foreign court will oversee the case.
Whatever the dispute may be, our attorneys are ready to help in numerous ways:
- Explaining and applying complex international custody laws
- Representing you in custody discussions and court proceedings across borders
- Creating parenting plans that work in different countries
- Preventing or addressing cases where a child is taken abroad without permission
- Advising on moving to another country with your children
At Greco Law, we know that family law issues involving different countries can be confusing and stressful. Whether you’re going through an international divorce or dealing with property in multiple countries, our experienced team is here to help. We’ll work to protect your rights and guide you through these complicated situations.
Guidance In International Relocation Matters
Our child custody and visitation attorneys are well-versed in the Hague Convention, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and other laws that apply to international custody matters, including international relocation with a child.
We strive to protect your rights as a parent while also doing what serves your child’s best interests – and navigating often-heated emotions in the process.
Fast, Aggressive Responses To International Child Abduction
International child abduction is a terrifying nightmare for any parent. In an international, high-conflict divorce, it occurs more regularly than you might think. Our lawyers understand these crises and know the steps to take to bring your children home safely as fast as possible. If you’re planning to move abroad with your child, it’s crucial to consult an international family lawyer first, as taking a child overseas without the other parent’s consent or a court order could lead to allegations of abduction. We can also represent and defend your parental rights if you face such accusations.
Modifying A Foreign Family Law Order
If a court in another country has issued a decision related to your child, you may need to take specific steps to modify or enforce that order in Ohio. The process typically involves:
- Registering the foreign order with an Ohio court. This step is crucial for the Ohio court to recognize and potentially modify the order.
- Determining jurisdiction. Ohio courts use the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to determine if they have the authority to modify a foreign order. Factors include:
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- Whether Ohio is now the child’s “home state”
- The child’s connections to Ohio
- The presence of substantial evidence about the child’s care in Ohio
- Filing a motion to modify. If the Ohio court has jurisdiction, you can file a motion explaining why the order should be changed.
- Attending a hearing. The court will consider your request and may modify the order if it’s in the child’s best interest and meets other legal requirements.
Remember, modifying a foreign order can be complex. The UCCJEA aims to prevent conflicts between courts in different jurisdictions and ensure consistency in child custody decisions. It’s advisable to consult with an experienced international family law attorney to navigate this process effectively.
Learn More About Your Rights – Contact Us Now
When you need counsel regarding international law and how it pertains to you and your family, contact Greco Law. To schedule your initial consultation with an attorney, please call our Dublin law office at 614-963-9154 or send us an email.