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International Divorce Lawyers in Washington

American families have become increasingly diverse and international. Today, married couples often come from two different countries, and may even have children born in others. Married couples or individual spouses may also have property or business interests in multiple foreign countries, or reside in multiple residences in different nations.

Because divorce and family law cases involving international issues are often more complex, they require the attention of attorneys experienced in these types of cases.

Although international divorce is becoming increasingly common in U.S. family law, few lawyers have experience with the international aspects of family law. Attorney David Starks of our firm is one of Washington State's most experienced international family law lawyers. David is one of a small number of U.S. family law attorneys whose practice includes international family law and treaties, including the various Hague Conventions on abduction, maintenance and the protection of children. He is also the co-author of the International Law chapter of the Washington State Bar Association's Family Law Deskbook and former co-chair of the American Bar Association International Law Section's Family Law Committee.

Assistance with International Family Law

Our international divorce and family law lawyers work with treaties and the laws of other countries in order to effectively advise and assist clients who have cases involving international issues, including divorce, property division, and child custody. We are prepared to advise our clients of the strengths and weaknesses of filing your divorce or other family law action in Washington State, another U.S. state, or in a foreign country.

International Child Custody

Child custody has become one of the biggest concerns in international family law in recent years, especially cases involving the removal of children from their country of residence during a custody dispute. The United States and many other foreign countries have entered into the Hague Convention on Child Abduction, an international treaty that provides for cooperation between participating nations for the safe return of children to their home country.

At McKinley Irvin, our international divorce lawyers have litigated cases involving this important treaty and are familiar with the Hague Convention, a unique area of family law. Attorney David Starks handles all Hague Convention cases in our firm and is one of the few lawyers in the State of Washington who focuses on this area of practice. He provides each of our clients with personalized attention, and works closely with them as they navigate the international divorce and child custody process.

Assistance from a Washington International Divorce Lawyer

McKinley Irvin divorce lawyers are at the forefront of international family law, and are able to effectively assist clients from choosing the best forum for filing, to enforcing foreign child support orders, to litigating issues regarding international treaties. If your divorce or family law case involves international issues, we invite you to contact our firm for a consultation.

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Client testimonials

    "I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."
    My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!
    - Christine P.
    "Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."
    Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.
    - P.O.
    "I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."
    David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.
    - T.M.
    "We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."
    In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.
    - P.M.
    "I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."
    Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!
    - M.L.
    "My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."
    My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.
    - R.R.
    "You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."
    I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.
    - M.F.
    "Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."
    Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.
    - R.C.