International & Cross border Property and Parenting Matters

Some complexities can arise in relation to children’s matters should the children reside overseas and/or one of the parents resides overseas.

We are experts

Family law is not the same in all countries. In fact, some countries have vastly different laws than Australia and our knowledge and experience can guide you through an international family law matter.

We are specialised

A specialist family law firm’s knowledge and specialisation should extend outside of only Australian rules and regulations. At HFL we can help you even if your matter involves an overseas country or Court of Law.

We are trusted

We understand that there are ramifications with not adhering to the legislation of overseas countries and at HFL you can trust that we will educate and guide you smoothly through such a process.

Hartley Family Law has over nineteen years’ experience in international family law and has acted for clients both in Australia (involved in international litigation) and also overseas clients (involved in complex property and child related matters.

Hartley Family Law is also a member of IR Global which is an international alliance of over 800 law firms over the world on whom we can draw upon for expertise and assistance in each different jurisdiction around the world in relation to any family law matter that may impact upon that jurisdiction.

We may be small in size but our reach is far when it comes to looking after our clients on the international and global scale.

Our firm is recognised as experts in matters of family law that cross international borders. We have the knowledge and contacts to manage the most complex of international family law cases.

At Hartley Family Law we have extensive experience with International Family Law Cases, Australian Family Law Matters for those living overseas and we have represented clients in the Family Court of Australia in relation to jurisdictional matters in complex property and child related matters.

We have represented clients in countries across the globe including Canada, China, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

We have also had extensive experience in complex international child abduction matters including Applications pursuant to the Hague Convention.

For immediate assistance or to request further information on our international family law services please contact us with your enquiry.

Our process

1. Book your consultation

The consultation allows us to get an understanding of your circumstances in order to provide options and possible next steps.

2. Tailor a plan

We don’t provide a cookie cutter solution. Each plan starts with the end result in mind and is created specifically for your unique requirements.

3. Resolve your case

Our goal is to get the ideal outcome without going to court and in the shortest possible time with least possible cost. As we only do Family law, we are the best at what we do.

Free resources & articles

Can I add back money my ex-partner has spent into our property pool?

15 February 2022, By Niki Schomberg of Hartley Family Law     When reviewing transactions in your ex-partner’s bank statements, it can be a tough pill to swallow seeing them spend significant funds on luxury holidays, fine dining and designer clothes, particularly …

Everything you need to know about filing for a Divorce in Australia

Written by Emily Woodhouse , 23 February 2023 There is only one ground for divorce in Australia; that your marriage has broken down irretrievably. Unlike many jurisdictions overseas, it is not necessary to prove adultery, insanity, desertion or any other ground. …

Can I Keep the Family Home after Divorce/Separation?

Written by Brett Hartley, 4 April 2023 This is a question we are most asked on a day-to-day basis from our clients and which we try to help them understand at an early stage the possibility and risks associated with keeping …

Valuations in Family Law during an Economic Downturn

Written by Brett Hartley, 6 April 2023 In a typical family law matter, we need to obtain valuations.  The main valuations we need to obtain are those of real estate property and in some cases, shares and business valuations. Single expert …

Family Law Mediation and How We Maximise Our Clients’ Prospects of Settling

Written by Brett Hartley, 6 September 2022 A family law mediation in Queensland is certainly not a typical collaborative type mediation (in most cases where parties sit in a room together and collaborate on best outcomes for each other).  Rather, especially …

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