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International Family Law Services – Expert Legal Support Across Borders

Specialist International Family Law Services

Family law matters can often extend beyond Australia’s borders, involving multiple jurisdictions and complex legal challenges. At Robbins Watson Solicitors, our experienced family lawyers assist overseas clients, Australian citizens, and law firms with international matrimonial, de facto, parenting, and property disputes that intersect with Australian Family Law.

Jurisdictional Issues in Family Law Matters

International family law cases frequently involve questions about which country’s laws apply and where legal proceedings should take place. Our expert legal team can guide you through these challenges, providing clarity on:

  • Determining the appropriate jurisdiction for your case
  • Resolving cross-border family law disputes
  • Navigating international property settlements
  • Managing child custody and relocation matters

International Child Abduction & The Hague Convention

If your child has been taken from Australia without your consent, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction may allow you to apply for their return. Australia is a signatory to this international treaty, which facilitates cooperation among member countries to ensure children’s best interests are protected.

We can assist with:

  • Filing Hague Convention applications for child return
  • Defending against wrongful removal claims
  • Navigating international custody and parenting disputes

Recognising & Enforcing Foreign Family Law Orders in Australia

If you have parenting or property orders made in another country, our experienced team can help you enforce them under Australian law. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to apply to the Family Court for enforcement or update your agreement for legal recognition in Australia.

Our services include:

  • Advising on the validity of foreign court orders
  • Registering and enforcing overseas parenting and financial orders
  • Assisting with cross-border legal compliance

Why Choose Robbins Watson Solicitors for International Family Law?

Navigating international family law requires legal expertise, a deep understanding of cross-border regulations, and strong advocacy. Our team provides strategic legal solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Why clients choose us:

  • Extensive experience in international family law matters
  • Strong relationships with overseas legal professionals
  • Clear, practical legal advice with a client-focused approach
  • Efficient handling of complex cross-jurisdictional cases

Need international family law advice? Contact us today

If you need legal assistance with an international family law matter, our dedicated team is ready to help. Contact Robbins Watson Solicitors today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers to discuss your situation and explore your options. 

To book an appointment, you can:

  • Call us on 07 5576 9999
  • Book an appointment online by clicking here
  • Fill out our online enquiry form by clicking here

Alternatively, you can get started online now and receive a free personalised welcome pack in minutes.

Meet the team

Ruth Jeffers

Partner

Alexandra Coyle

Senior Associate

Emily Molloy

Solicitor

Why choose Robbins Watson Solicitors?

Discover what makes us different.

Experience you can count on

With over 60 years in business, we position our clients and their businesses with the best advice to enable them to prosper.

We’re committed to you

We recognise your needs, assess specific priorities and objectives and develop strategies to meet them.

Enduring relationships

We generously invest time and expertise to understand our clients and build beneficial long-term relationships.

Efficient teams

We embrace technology to ensure our clients outcomes are delivered quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

What our clients have to say

As first home buyers Emma from Robbins Watson made the experience stress free. With her professional service and excellent knowledge of industry. Couldn't recommend her more. Thank you!

Kimberley G

Very pleased with this firm and the outcome we received. Highly recommend Robbins Watson for any Family Law matters.

Cate B

Sean and his team have always been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Couldn’t recommend Robbins Watson Solicitors more!

B.M.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Alexandra Coyle, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the outset, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of the legal issues involved which was very reassuring. I felt well-informed throughout the process, and she worked tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome for me. I’m glad I reached out to this firm. Thank you for making a challenging situation so manageable. I highly recommend Alexandra for anyone seeking reliable and empathetic legal assistance.

Justyna B

I was so pleased with Bell’s work. I found her easy to get along with, explain things clearly and make the whole process calm. I would recommend her to anyone going through an estate dispute.

Taylah C

Marcus, thank you again for your support throughout the settlement process, we very much appreciate your professionalism, advice and communication from start to finish! We would be happy to recommend Robbins Watson to our family and friends.

Angela

Good morning – just wanted to send a quick email off and let you know how impressed (my wife and myself) have been with Emma – We have bought a couple of properties up there over the last year or two – we’re from Wagga Wagga, NSW and are relocating up there at the end of this year. Emma has been absolutely fantastic to deal with and we couldn’t be happier!!! It makes things really easy when you have someone on the ball like she is – so yeah, just a quick ‘Well done’ – thanks so much, we really appreciate it and keep up the good work!

Jarrod

Thank you again for your services, I cannot fault you and your team. You are always such a pleasure to deal with and make what would normally be a stressful time, quite the opposite.

Emma (& Helen)

Please extend my warmest thanks to All that have assisted me. You all have made the process of dealing with Wills, selling property, and soon with my own Will and things. Robbins Watson have exceeded my expectations in ability, personal interactions, pleasant meetings; in short, you are my Solicitors of choice, and I say so to any and all.

George

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or call a trusted advisor today
+61 7 5576 9999

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is international family law?

International family law deals with family issues that cross borders, such as relocation, overseas marriages, divorces and child custody when parents live in different countries.

How are international child custody disputes handled?

Australia is a party to the Hague Convention, which provides a process for returning children wrongfully removed from their country of habitual residence and for resolving cross-border custody disputes.

Can an overseas divorce be recognised in Australia?

Overseas divorces are recognised in Australia if they were validly obtained under the law of that country and at least one party had a sufficient connection to that jurisdiction.

Do Australian courts enforce foreign child support orders?

Reciprocal arrangements allow overseas child support assessments to be registered and enforced in Australia through Services Australia and the courts.

What happens if a parent wants to relocate overseas with children?

If parents cannot agree, the relocating parent must apply to the court for permission; the court will decide based on the best interests of the child, considering the impact on their relationship with the other parent.