Practice Areas

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.

Contact Us

  • Please enter your name.
  • This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
Please Note: Your privacy is important to us. Information sent via this form is not protected by attorney/client privilege. We do not accept service of legal process or correspondence from opposing parties or their counsel through our website. Please view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Hire for more information.

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.

  • Best Lawyers
  • Best Law Firms
  • Super Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent
  • Puget Sound Business Journal Washington's Best Workplaces 2023
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year 2024
  • Avvo Rating 10.0