Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about your individual situation, it is best to seek the advice of an experienced legal professional.
International divorce can be complex and have life-changing consequences for everyone involved. The best way to get positive outcomes is to choose a non-adversarial, collaborative divorce process like divorce mediation.
If international assets are involved, international divorce mediation is the best way to come to an agreement about these assets. International assets, such as international retirement accounts and international real estate will be subject to different rules about property division that can be complex. In a lot of these instances, US Courts do not have jurisdiction over this property. During divorce litigation the courts may order an exchange of similar property and make other decisions that divorcing spouses do not have control over.
In international divorce mediation however, spouses can regain control over their divorce. When you choose to work with experienced divorce mediators there are many more options and much more flexibility outside the adversarial divorce process. Couples getting an international divorce may choose to swap assets of equivalent value and make other smart moves that avoid the hassle and administrative burden of international asset division. Call our international divorce mediation and law firm to learn more about how we can help you create a roadmap for your international divorce.
Mediation for Cultural Issues in International Divorce
Cultural differences are another issue that come up in international divorce. International divorces run the gamut from US citizens married to international spouses, to international spouses who met in the US or came to the US to live after they were married, to US citizens who have lived abroad and have property abroad. These many situations all require a slightly different approach. Issues that involve culturally specific attitudes to divorce and family are particularly well served by a sensitive, non-adversarial process where everyone’s point of view is heard. International divorce mediation is an intentional process that offers flexibility and support for all complex issues, whether cultural, emotional or financial.
Mediation for Complex Financial and Tax Issues in International Divorce
There are many tax issues that may also be a part of international divorce. Tax breaks that you get in divorce might be different for non-US citizens or non-residents, or there may be international taxes on property or income from a business or trust. To avoid double taxation you need to work with an international divorce mediation team who understand the many different tax treaties that the US holds with different countries. All of these tax treaties have different rules about how US and international taxes can be reported and offset by any eligible tax credits or exemptions. While this may seem daunting, an experienced international divorce team can analyze your assets and simplify the picture to help you make the best decisions for your financial future.
Support for Complex Issues in International Divorce
International divorce is a process that is highly complex and technical, involving legal issues, tax matters and financial planning. It is also an emotional and lifechanging transition that entails major decisions about your location, your family, your cultural environment and the place you call home. Often there are children involved, and then the couple’s decision-making must also factor in the best interests of the child.
With all this at stake, it’s best to choose a compassionate divorce process with a divorce mediation and law firm with expertise in international divorce. Once a thorough analysis is done, our firm can guide divorcing spouses towards the most positive outcomes in their divorce.
If you and your spouse are ready to get a divorce in which there are international assets, international ties, immigration issues or any other international component, we offer a no-strings-attached initial consultation to clarify the picture and help you take the first steps. We can work with yo at our offices in San Diego, CA and Silicon Valley. Many spouses getting an international divorce videoconference with us from locations nationwide and around the globe. We prioritize convenience, safety and confidentiality for our clients. Please contact our divorce mediation team to learn more.
