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International Divorce

Family Law Attorneys Assisting Dallas Residents

In our global society, not all married couples live in the same city or even the same country. Deciding to end any marriage can be difficult, but when a couple lives in different countries, the process of obtaining a divorce can be much more complicated, and numerous issues can arise that are not present in domestic divorces. If you are contemplating ending your marriage or you have been served with divorce papers, and you or your spouse reside in different countries, a skilled Dallas divorce lawyer can advise you of your options for safeguarding your rights and assets. At McClure Law Group, we are adept at handling international divorces and will work diligently to help you seek your desired result.

Which Country Can Dissolve the Marriage

You or your spouse may be able to file for divorce in Texas if either of you meet the residency requirements. To be eligible for a divorce in Texas, either spouse must reside in Texas for six months prior to when the divorce petition is filed, and in the county where the petition is filed for a minimum of 90 days. If a divorce petition is filed in Texas, the court will have jurisdiction over a spouse that resides in another country if the couple’s most recent marital residence was in Texas, and the petition is filed within two years of when the marital residence ended.

A divorce obtained in the United States may be recognized in another country. Some countries may decline to recognize a divorce as valid, however, if one spouse’s rights were unjustly affected or if divorce is not permitted in that country. Generally speaking, divorces obtained in another country are recognized in the United States as well, if both spouses had notice of the divorce and an opportunity to be heard.

Division of Property

Dividing property in an international divorce is often complex. First, it must be determined which country’s laws will apply. While there is a treaty dictating which country’s laws may apply, few countries are signatories to that particular treaty. As the rules regarding spousal maintenance and division of assets will vary between countries, it is important to speak with an attorney regarding your rights if your divorce was filed in another country.

If your divorce petition was filed in Texas, whether the court will be able to distribute any property depends upon whether the court has jurisdiction over the property and you and your spouse. First, the court will assess whether any property is marital or separate. If property was acquired by either spouse during the course of the marriage, it will likely be deemed marital and will be subject to equitable distribution.

If marital property is not located within Texas, the court must first assess the value of the property. If the court determines international property should be disbursed, there are multiple ways it can divide the property. For example, the court may order the sale of the property and a division of the proceeds of the sale or issue an order compelling one party to sign over his or her interest in the property. If you or your spouse are contemplating ending your marriage and you reside in different countries, it is prudent to speak with an attorney to discuss how an international divorce may affect your rights.

Meet With a Knowledgeable Divorce Lawyer in Dallas

International divorces can present unique challenges, and if they are not properly handled, can result in adverse results. If you or your spouse are considering ending your marriage and you live in different countries, it is wise to speak with a seasoned divorce attorney regarding your case. At McClure Law Group, we can assist you in navigating the complicated process of obtaining an international divorce, and will work diligently to help you protect your rights. We represent people in Dallas, Garland, Fort Worth, Irving, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, and Rockwall. Additionally, we assist people in family law cases in cities throughout Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Grayson, and Rockwall Counties. You can reach us through our online form or at 214.692.8200 to set up a consultation to discuss your options.


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"McClure Law Group was very professional and responsive. They listened to my concerns and desires as it pertains to the service requested and I'm very pleased." Jade Nguyen
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"Kelly and her team are always a pleasure to work with, and their work product always exceeds one’s expectations." George Tamke
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"McClure Law Group’s team is very responsive! I have very much appreciated their communication. They are always on top of what is happening and return my calls or emails quickly." Brie Cherry
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"Kelly McClure has been representing me for the past several years and has been an amazing advocate, confidant and sounding board. She is always available by phone, even when she is on vacation. She has answered my questions on weekends and always given me an honest opinion. I highly recommend this group to anyone." Heather Bell
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"The McClure Law Group helped me through a very difficult divorce and they definitely had my back every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend the team enough!" Shell A.
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"I could not be happier to have had McClure Law. I truly appreciate their accessibility and patience. I can tell they are very knowledgeable, and I trust their guidance. I am SO thankful I went with great lawyers to handle my family case." Victor Lollar
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"Kelly is detailed oriented and she truly cares about her clients. Her knowledge of the laws and her ability to get a case resolved make her stand far above others. I highly recommend McClure for your family law needs!" Peter Morgan
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