Massachusetts Divorce Law - International Divorce

For individuals who are married to a foreign spouse, or for non U.S. citizens married to U.S. citizens, a divorce may have international implications.

LOCATION OF WHERE DIVORCE SHOULD BE PURSUED

In divorce matters with international connotations, it is vital to establish where the divorce should be pursued. Individuals who have more than one residence, or who have businesses or properties in different countries should investigate all of the implications of the various divorce laws to establish the most advantageous location of where to file the divorce action. Indeed, courts in different countries, or even different states, will apply different rules to the divorce process.

It is crucial to investigate which courts have jurisdiction and what law they will apply before making the decision of where to file for divorce. Citizenship of a particular country does not mean that you can bring your divorce case there. Local law governs this area.

In Massachusetts, for instance, you have to be a resident for a certain period of time before you can file for divorce. In France, on the other hand, you do not have to be a resident to file for divorce.

DIFFERENT COURTS APPLY DIFFERENT LAWS

Another factor to consider is the manner (or legal standard used) in which the different courts will divide the parties' assets. Different courts will consider different assets to be marital assets.

You will need to identify and group your assets into different categories:

the items that you owned prior to the marriage;
the items acquired during the marriage;
items owned prior to the marriage that have increased in value during the marriage;
items received as inheritance;
items received as a compensation from a law suit;
whether you or your spouse acquired professional qualifications during the marriage;
and the present location of all of these assets.

Some other factors that may influence individuals' decisions to file in one specific location are:

the grounds for the divorce;
any issues of alimony;
child custody;
child support;
legal fees;
the manner in which judgments from a particular court are enforced.

The Attorneys at The Law Office of Aurelie M. Couturier, P.C.,, are well versed in the laws of various jurisdictions, especially the laws of France, and have extensive experience in working with local law firms.

To consult with a lawyer about your International Divorce in Massachusetts or if you have other other MA divorce law or family law questions, please contact us at (508) 559-2240 to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation.

We service clients in all matters in Attleboro, Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Chelsea, Dorchester, Fall River, Hingham, Lawrence, Lynn, New Bedford, Plymouth, Quincy, Roxbury, Salem, Stoughton, Taunton, West Roxbury, Wareham, Worcester, and Wrentham, to only name a few Courts.

NOUS PARLONS AUSSI FRAN�AIS.

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THE MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THIS WEB-SITE HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY Law Office of Aurelie M. Couturier, P.C., AND ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. READERS SHOULD CONSULT THE ADVICE OF COMPETENT COUNSEL.