International Family Law Lawyers Melbourne 

When a relationship involves more than one country, the legal questions that follow separation are significantly more complex. Jurisdiction, overseas assets, cross-border parenting arrangements, and the enforceability of Australian orders abroad all require specific legal expertise and, in some cases, prompt action.

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need international family law advice if: 

• You or your former partner live in different countries and are unsure where to file for divorce or property settlement 

• You hold assets in another country and want to know how they are treated in an Australian property settlement 

• Your child has been taken overseas without your consent or is at risk of being removed from Australia 

• You have been served with a Hague Convention application after bringing your child to Australia 

• You want to relocate overseas with your children after separation 

• Your divorce was granted in another country and you need to know whether it is recognised in Australia 

• You are an expat or dual national separating while living outside Australia with assets or connections here 

Our International Family Law Services 

International property settlement: We advise on how Australian courts treat overseas assets in property settlements, jurisdiction questions, and how to structure outcomes that are practically enforceable across borders. 

International child abduction and Hague Convention applications: Where a child has been wrongfully removed from Australia or retained overseas, we act urgently to apply for the child's return through the Hague Convention framework and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. 

Responding to Hague Convention applications: Where you have brought a child to Australia and a return application has been made against you, we advise on your rights and the specific grounds on which return can be opposed. 

International relocation: We advise on the legal requirements for relocating overseas with children after separation and represent parents in relocation disputes before the court. 

Airport Watch List applications: Where there is a risk of your child being removed from Australia without your consent, we apply to have your child's name placed on the Family Law Watchlist, administered by the Australian Federal Police. 

Recognition of overseas divorces and orders: We advise on whether a divorce or court order made in another country is recognised under Australian law, and what further Australian proceedings may be required to protect your position. 

What to Expect When You Work With Us 

Step 1: Tell us your situation.  

You speak with one of our lawyers about your relationship, where you and your former partner are located, where your assets are held, and what has happened or is at risk of happening. International matters often require urgent action and we assess that at the first conversation. 

Step 2: We identify the right jurisdiction and approach.  

Which country's courts should handle your matter, and in what order, is often the first and most consequential decision in an international family law matter. We advise on this before any proceedings are commenced, because filing in the wrong jurisdiction can limit your options significantly. 

Step 3: We act on your behalf.  

We prepare and file the necessary applications, coordinate with overseas lawyers where required, and represent you in proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. For urgent matters involving children, we act immediately. 

Step 4: You have a clear, enforceable outcome.  

We structure outcomes with enforceability in mind. An order that cannot be enforced across borders provides limited protection. We advise on how to achieve results that hold up where your assets and your children actually are. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for International Family Law? 

No Hidden Fees

You receive a written cost estimate before we begin any work. No hidden fees, no bill shock, and no ambiguity about what you are paying for. 

Nationwide Services

We work with clients across every state and territory in Australia. Whether you are in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, or anywhere in between, consultations are available by phone and video.

Personalised and Strategic Advice

Every international family law matter involves a different combination of countries, assets, parenting arrangements, and legal systems. We give you advice built around your specific cross-border circumstances, not a generic answer that ignores the jurisdictional reality. 

Costs and Timeframes 

International family law matters vary significantly in cost depending on urgency, complexity, the number of jurisdictions involved, and whether overseas lawyers need to be engaged. Hague Convention proceedings involving child abduction are treated as urgent and financial assistance, including Legal Aid and the Attorney-General's Overseas Child Abduction Scheme, may be available to cover legal costs for eligible applicants. We advise on what assistance you may be eligible for at the first consultation. 

For property matters involving overseas assets, costs depend on the extent of disclosure required, valuation complexity, and whether enforcement across borders is necessary. We provide a written cost estimate before we begin any work. 

Time limits apply in international matters just as they do in domestic ones. Hague Convention applications are stronger when made promptly. Australian property settlement time limits continue to run regardless of which country you are in. 

Call 1300 717 173 or book online to discuss your circumstances and understand your options.

Related Services 

Children and Parenting — Parenting arrangements, relocation advice, and consent orders after separation. 

Property and Financial Settlements — Dividing assets and liabilities after separation by agreement or through the courts. 

Divorce — The formal legal process for ending a marriage under Australian law. 

De Facto Separation — Property and financial rights for couples separating without having married. 

Asset Protection — Protecting your financial position through binding financial agreements and strategic advice. 

Speak With an International Family Law Lawyer Today 

International family law matters move quickly and the decisions made early have lasting consequences. The earlier you get advice, the more options you have. 

We are based at Level 45, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Consultations are available in person, by phone, and by video.

Call 1300 717 173 or book online. All enquiries are confidential.