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Family Law

International family lawyers in Ipswich and Brisbane

A partner overseas, assets in two countries, a child taken abroad. International family law adds a second legal system to an already hard situation. Our team acts in cross-border property, parenting and Hague Convention matters, and we'll tell you early which country's courts should hear yours.

What we act in

Property, superannuation, parenting and child abduction, wherever the other side of the matter sits.
We act in international property settlements, where assets such as real estate, investments and business interests sit in more than one country and need to be valued and divided across jurisdictions.

We advise on splitting superannuation and overseas pension interests, on parenting disputes where one parent lives abroad or wants to relocate, and on international child abduction under the Hague Convention, where speed matters most. In each case the first question is the same: which court has jurisdiction, and will its orders be recognised where they need to be enforced.

How we work on cross-border matters

Jurisdiction first, then strategy, then the paperwork in the right order.
We begin by working out where you, your former partner, your children and your assets are, and which country's courts should hear the matter. That decision shapes everything else. We then gather the documents that matter across borders, marriage and birth certificates, existing orders, any financial agreements, and where needed we work alongside lawyers in the other country so that what's done here complies there.

For child abduction matters we move immediately, liaising with the Australian Central Authority and representing you in court. Wherever possible we look for a negotiated or mediated resolution before litigation in two countries becomes necessary.

Looking for a different family law service?

Family law rarely arrives one issue at a time. Property, parenting, agreements and protection often overlap, so the pages below cover the rest of what we do. If you're not sure where your situation fits, call 0483 980 001 and we'll point you the right way.

OUR ACCREDITED NETWORK

Held to the standards the profession sets, not just our own.

Every Stanford Legal matter is guided by the professional bodies that set the standard for practice in Queensland, so you always know you're in trusted hands.
Why Stanford Legal

Steady advice when the situation spans two legal systems

International matters are stressful precisely because the rules change at the border. You'll get clear advice on what Australian law can do, honest advice on what it can't, and a plan that accounts for both. The lawyer you start with stays with you throughout.
6K+
Matters Resolved
4.3K+
Aussie Families Assisted
2.2K+
Homes Settled
5 Stars
On Google Reviews
TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by families across South East Queensland

Families across South East Queensland with connections overseas have relied on us to handle the cross-border side with care.
"I simply can’t thank and commend Richie, Steven, Renata and the whole team at Stanford Financial enough for making my mortgage refinance as smooth as humanly possible."
Dan
Stanford Financial Client
"We are so Blessed with our new Home. Thanks to Stanford Legal, Laura was a joy to communicate with anytime we needed to enquire. Quick, reliable and very Trustworthy."
Katrina Emberson
Stanford Legal Client
"We are beyond grateful for Richie and the team at Stanford! 🙌🏻 Through every hurdle and challenge, they went exceptionally far to help get our application through."
Khirsten Mamangun
Stanford Financial Client
"One thing I always love and look for when choosing people to guide me is how much time and presence they give. They treated us like we were the only client they had."
Dragica Radosavljevic
Stanford Legal Client
"All the team at Stanford were good to deal with. If you're a Veteran struggling to get a loan approved because you're on Incaps, or Super, speak to them."
Stewart S
Stanford Financial Client
"This is the second time we’ve used stanford financial, and once again the experience was outstanding."
Blake Whitehead
Stanford Financial Client
"Phenomenal service. Thank you to the Stanford Legal team for all your help & guidance."
Bryony Winsor
Stanford Legal Client
"I can’t recommend Stanford legal enough. All 3 property sales have been seamless, professional and efficient. The team are amazing and will look after you."
Christie Johnston
Stanford Legal Client
"The team at Stanford Financial are brilliant! I was referred to them by a friend and dealing with them has been a fantastic experience."
Andrew Bell
Stanford Financial Client
"I honestly can't thank the team enough at Stanford Financial, especially Richie and Mitch! They both went above and beyond to get my finance sorted, and they did it all within 24 hours!"
Jamie Harris
Stanfor Financial Client
QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer you're after?
What are the first steps in an international family law matter?
Get specialised advice early, because time limits and jurisdiction questions can close options quickly. Gather your documents: marriage and birth certificates, any existing court orders, prenuptial or financial agreements, and records of where each of you and the children have lived. Then work with your lawyer on where the case should be heard and whether mediation is a realistic first step. Getting the order of these steps right saves a great deal later.
Which country's courts will hear my case?
It depends on where you, your former partner and any children habitually live, where assets are located, and the laws of each country involved. Australia's courts can hear many matters with an overseas element, but an order made here may need to be recognised abroad to be enforced there. We assess jurisdiction at the outset and, where needed, work with lawyers in the other country so orders are made where they'll actually work.
My child has been taken overseas. What can I do?
Contact us immediately. Australia is a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which provides a process for the prompt return of children taken to or kept in another member country. Applications go through the Australian Central Authority, and we can prepare the application, gather the evidence the Convention requires and represent you in court. If the other country isn't a Convention member, different steps apply and we'll advise on those.
Can my overseas superannuation or pension be split?
Australian superannuation can be split under the Family Law Act by agreement or court order. Overseas pension and retirement interests are governed by the rules of the country where they're held, which vary widely, so they're usually dealt with by valuing them and adjusting the rest of the settlement rather than splitting them directly. We'll work out which approach fits the funds involved.

We're here to help you.

Get in touch with us to help guide you through your legal challenges.