International Child Custody Lawyer

Last updated on September 18, 2026

When a child custody dispute crosses international borders, the legal complexity multiplies immediately. Led by Miami international child custody lawyer Lawrence S. Katz, a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) with over 50 years of experience, The Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A., handles international child custody and support matters that standard firms are not equipped to manage. As the first U.S. attorney to successfully recover children from non-Hague Convention countries, including Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Mr. Katz brings a proven track record in situations where standard international treaty protections do not apply.

Whether a child has been wrongfully removed to another country or a foreign court is refusing to honor a U.S. custody order, attorney Katz provides the strategic, experienced legal representation these cases demand. To discuss your situation, call the firm at 786-304-1180 or use the contact form to schedule your consultation.

Navigating International Child Custody Disputes

When parents reside or wish to reside in different countries, child custody can become very highly contested. A body of international law, including the Hague Abduction Convention and various country-specific laws, governs aspects of divorce and child custody determinations, in addition to how to go about asserting and defending parental rights.

If an ex-spouse takes your child to another country without permission from the court, it may be necessary to issue a federal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant. The experienced international child custody lawyer at The Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A., collaborates with you to find the best strategy to meet your goals for relocation or reunification with your child.

How Are International Child Support Orders Enforced in Florida Courts?

The enforcement of U.S. child support orders abroad is governed by international reciprocity agreements the United States has established with certain other countries and the Hague Maintenance Convention. If the United States has a reciprocity agreement with the country in question, attorney Katz takes steps to help you seek relief through the international agreement. The U.S. has ratified the Hague Maintenance Convention, and it can also be utilized.

Why Hire Attorney Katz For International Child Custody And Support

Choosing the right attorney in an international custody or support matter can determine whether a child comes home. Mr. Katz offers a combination of credentials, real-world results and government-recognized authority that few attorneys in this area of law can point to:

• Over 50 years of focused family law experience: Mr. Katz has dedicated his career to complex family law matters, with international child custody and abduction cases forming a central part of his practice since founding the firm in 1968.
• Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL): The IAFL represents the top tier of family law practitioners worldwide. Fellowship is by invitation only and reflects demonstrated excellence in international family law practice.
• 400-plus Hague Convention and international custody cases: Mr. Katz has served as lead counsel, co-counsel, mentor or consultant in over 400 Hague Abduction Convention and international child abduction disputes, a volume of experience that produces pattern recognition most attorneys simply do not have.
• First U.S. attorney to recover children from non-Hague countries: He has successfully recovered children from Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, countries with no treaty obligation to return children to the United States. He has also secured the return of children to Russia, Haiti and Jamaica on behalf of families whose children were brought here without authorization.
• Bill Hilton Memorial Award recipient: This is the highest honor given by the U.S. Chapter of the IAFL for exceptional contributions to international family law. It is not an annual award and cannot be applied for. It is given only when the membership determines someone has made a genuinely exceptional contribution to the field.
• Court-appointed expert witness: Judges at the state, federal and international court levels have called upon Mr. Katz to serve as a court-appointed expert witness in cases involving international relocation risk, Hague defenses and the enforceability of foreign custody decrees. When a judge needs someone to explain how international custody law works, Mr. Katz is one of the attorneys they call.

Clients benefit from working directly with an attorney whose credentials are not self-described but verified by government agencies, peer institutions and the courts themselves.

Why Is Taking Swift Action Important In International Custody Dispute Matters?

When dealing with international custody disputes, time is a critical factor that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Delays in taking legal action can lead to several disadvantages, including:

• Courts often view delays as acceptance of the current situation, establishing a new status quo
• Foreign courts may interpret a parent’s delay as tacit approval of the child’s relocation
• Delays can establish what courts consider the child’s “habitual residence,” making the return more difficult
• Evidence crucial to your case may become less accessible over time
• Witnesses’ memories may fade, weakening testimony
• Legal options may become limited as time passes

It is recommended to immediately consult with an attorney familiar with both U.S. and foreign family law upon learning of potential international custody disputes. Early intervention with Mr. Katz allows for proper documentation preparation and strategic planning for navigating multiple legal systems.

What Happens If A Foreign Court Does Not Respect A U.S. Custody Order?

A foreign court may not automatically recognize a custody ruling issued by a U.S. court. This is because some countries follow different legal standards and others may prioritize their own custody laws over international cooperation. The Hague Abduction Convention can provide a path for return in many cases, but only if the foreign country is a signatory.

When facing a situation like this, it is often necessary to:

• File additional legal documents in the foreign country
• Retain local counsel who understands that country’s procedures
• Present compelling evidence showing why the U.S. custody order should be upheld

Even when a nation is not a Hague participant, there are often legal strategies available to seek enforcement or regain custody. Working with attorneys in both jurisdictions creates a coordinated approach that addresses the nuances of each legal system. As such, Mr. Katz’s decades of experience handling over 400 Hague Convention cases enables him to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to specific countries and circumstances.

Are You Able To Secure Spousal Support If Your Ex Lives Abroad?

Yes, but several variables come into play. Enforcement depends on the foreign country’s legal system, its willingness to cooperate with U.S. courts and whether it has any agreements with the United States. Some individuals even relocate internationally to avoid support obligations.

In these jurisdictions, attorney Katz can coordinate with foreign counsel to pursue enforcement through established legal channels.

Contact An International Custody And Support Lawyer Today

The international child custody and child support attorney at The Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A., has been AV Preeminent* peer-review rated through Martindale-Hubbell since 1976. He has the experience to handle even the most complicated international family law issues. Call the firm today at 786-304-1180 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. The firm’s office is conveniently located near the Dadeland South Metrorail, and se habla español.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.