International Family Law
Caralee Fontenele and her experienced team at Collective Family Law have participated in numerous multi-jurisdictional disputes advising on complicated children’s matters and complex financial settlements, pre-nuptial agreements.
2026
Recognised with both the prestigious Global Recognition Award and the Inside Family Law Award
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ASSISTED OVER 10,000 CLIENTS
International Family Law
International family law matters often involve additional legal and practical challenges, particularly where one or both parties have connections to another country. These cases may include overseas property, international business interests, foreign bank accounts, international trusts, or disputes involving multiple legal jurisdictions. Understanding how Australian family law applies in these situations is essential to protecting your rights and achieving a fair outcome.
Under Australian family law, all assets and liabilities may be considered as part of the property pool, regardless of whether they are located in Australia or overseas. Identifying, valuing, and dividing international assets can be a complex process that often requires careful legal planning and coordination across jurisdictions.
At Collective Family Law Group, our experienced international family lawyers assist clients with cross-border property settlements, international divorce matters, and financial disputes involving overseas assets. We provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances and work to resolve complex international family law matters as efficiently and effectively as possible.
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International
Parenting Matters
People travel and move countries, so it can be very complicated when couples go through a separation or divorce. Parents may want to relocate to their home country or elsewhere with a new job or partner.
At Collective Family Law, our team of lawyers are experts in this area of law, and we can assist you with advice when it comes to parenting and international relocations.
Meet Some Of Our Family Lawyers
Dannielle Young
Hayder Shkara
Ivy Lawrence
Child Abduction Matters
Relocating a child out of Australia without the other parent’s consent is wrongful removal or wrongful retention. This is most likely to occur when a parent or a member of that parent’s family is from or living overseas.
The Hague Convention on the International Aspects of Child Abduction was brought into Australia in 1983. Only countries that are signed up to the Hague Convention are subject to the rules, and at the time of writing, there are 98 countries that are bound by the rules of the Hague Convention.
We have dealt with many international matters and are recognised as having experience in this field. However, urgent legal advice and action is imperative when child abduction has or may occur.
These are the areas of international
family law that we can assist with
People First
At Collective Family Law, we are committed to the efficient and prompt resolution of family law matters in the most cost-effective manner possible. Not every family law matter needs to go to Court, and we do our best to assist you in resolving it before we go to Court.
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FAQs
How much does a family lawyer cost in Australia?
- The cost of hiring a family lawyer in Australia varies depending on the complexity of your matter and the work involved. Straightforward matters that are resolved through negotiation are generally less expensive than disputes requiring court proceedings. Many family law firms offer an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances, explain the likely costs, and outline your legal options before you decide how to proceed.
How do you become an international lawyer in Australia?
- To become an international family lawyer in Australia, a person must first qualify as an Australian lawyer by completing an approved law degree, practical legal training, and obtaining admission to legal practice. Lawyers who practise international family law then develop experience in cross-border matters, such as international divorce, overseas property settlements, child relocation, international child abduction, and matters involving the Hague Convention.
How do I register an overseas parenting order in Australia?
- Whether an overseas parenting order can be recognised or registered in Australia depends on the country where it was made and the applicable Australian laws or international agreements. In many cases, you may need to apply to an Australian court and provide supporting documents before the order can be recognised or enforced. Seeking legal advice is recommended to determine the appropriate process for your circumstances.