Exceptional Cleveland International Divorce Attorneys At Your Side

Last updated on January 6, 2026

At Zashin Law, our firm excels in managing the complexities of international divorce with unmatched legal acumen. Led by Andrew Zashin, a renowned international divorce attorney featured on CNN, The New York Times and The Today Show, our team provides sophisticated solutions across global jurisdictions. We guide our clients through the myriad legal nuances of international divorce, offering solutions that address jurisdictional challenges and cultural complexities.

Call our Cleveland International Divorce Lawyers today at 888-875-5772 or contact us online to see how we can help

Why Choose Zashin Law For Your International Divorce?

International divorce is not something to “figure out” as you go. You need a legal team that does not just claim to understand global divorce law; they live and breathe it. That is what sets our firm apart.

We do not operate within borders. Our firm has successfully handled cases that cross continents, legal systems and even language barriers. Our clients trust us to navigate their global legal challenges because of the following qualities:

• Global reach, local precision: Our international divorce lawyers are licensed in multiple states, including Ohio, New York, Florida, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. For cases in jurisdictions where we are not licensed, we secure temporary licenses or collaborate with trusted local counsel worldwide to help ensure seamless representation.
• Unique commendation: Our firm boasts more Best Lawyers listings, Super Lawyers and Rising Stars designations, and Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers than any other family law firm in Cleveland or Ohio. Andrew Zashin and Amy Keating are also ranked in the prestigious Chambers and Partners HNW Guide, Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth.
• Thought leadership: Andrew Zashin is a frequent contributor expert to Newsweek Magazine, writes a monthly column for The Cleveland Jewish News, and is a regular writer for the Chagrin Valley Times, offering insights into complex family law issues. Our firm was selected by Chambers & Partners to provide Ohio-specific content for the Family Law 2024 Guide, covering divorce processes, asset division and child custody.
• Proven high-stakes experience: We have handled cases at the highest levels, including landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases like Golan v. Saada and Monasky v. Taglieri, shaping international family law precedent, particularly under the Hague Convention.
• International network: Our established relationships with family law firms across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa allow us to coordinate strategies and protect your interests in any jurisdiction.
• Multilingual advocacy: Our team’s multilingual capabilities help ensure clear communication across language barriers, which is critical for navigating international legal systems and cultural nuances.
• Expertise: Andrew has taught every family law course at the School of Law, Case Western Reserve University, for over 20 years. Four other members of the Zashin Law team are faculty members of the Case Law School.
• Expert Witness Services: Our firm provides expert witness services, has testified at trial, and has been asked for expert testimony abroad.

Choosing us means partnering with a firm that combines global reach with an aggressive commitment to your case. If you want an international divorce attorney to go toe-to-toe with your spouse’s international legal team, our firm is built for that fight. Call us today at 888-875-5772 or fill out our contact form to get started!

Are International Divorces Truly Different Than Same State Divorces?

In many respects, the elements of divorce are the same whether the spouses are both U.S. citizens living in the U.S. or are nationals of different sovereign states. Wherever you and your spouse currently reside, you will need to divide your property and determine a child custody schedule. However, there are issues unique to a divorce that cross national borders, starting with the service of process. This can be accomplished in one of three ways:

• Waiver: If both spouses agree to the divorce, the spouse who did not file the divorce can sign a waiver allowing the filing spouse to serve them by mail, email or fax.
• Foreign process server: Another option is to hire a process server in the country where the nonfiling spouse currently resides to serve them in person.
• Service by publication: The court in which you filed for divorce might allow you to publish an advertisement in a paper local to your spouse’s nation and city of residence as a form of notice.

Proper service is necessary to ensure the nonfiling spouse is aware of the divorce proceeding and has time to file a response. Without valid service of process, a civil court filing like a divorce will be dismissed. Most of the time, service is a formality, but it can become more challenging when the spouses live in different countries, especially if the filing spouse has lost touch with the other spouse and does not have their home address.

Jurisdiction is another potential complication in an international divorce. As a married person in the U.S., you have the right to file for divorce in the state in which you have resided for a certain time period, the length of which depends on the state. Once granted, the divorce will be recognized in every other U.S. state and, likely, the country where the other spouse is living. However, this jurisdiction might not include every divorce-related matter.

Property division and child custody tend to be more complex when the parties live in different countries. The logistics of sharing custody or arranging visitation time when the parents live thousands of miles apart can obviously complicate matters. So can martial property that exists in multiple countries.

Other considerations include:

• A possible language barrier between your attorney, the attorney representing your spouse and local court officials
• Cultural considerations when the legal system works differently in the other country or divorce has different societal or religious implications
• The potential need to have an attorney representing you in both jurisdictions, affects your legal fees
• The ability to enforce or amend an existing order once the divorce is final, particularly in countries where the rule of law may be limited
• Privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information
• The process could take longer and involve more steps when international law and possibly conflicting national laws are involved

For these and other reasons, working with an attorney experienced in international divorce is essential. Our firm is prepared to handle the myriad complexities of your divorce with efficiency, compassion and the skill to preserve your parental and financial rights to the fullest extent. Our ability to represent clients involved in divorce cases around the world, with its myriad of legal systems, sets us apart from our peers. We have connections with family law firms in numerous countries, allowing us to refer you to a lawyer you can trust to effectively advance your position in your spouse’s country of residence.

Overcoming International Divorce Challenges

International divorce arises when couples face legal challenges across national borders – whether living in different countries, sharing assets abroad or having married outside their current country of residence. No matter how complex your divorce may seem, we are prepared to address the obligations of multiple legal systems and jurisdictions to defend your best interests. Our approach to international divorce includes the following:

• Jurisdictional complexity: We determine the most appropriate jurisdiction for divorce proceedings, considering all connections to potential jurisdictions to optimize the legal outcomes.
• Division of international assets: Our team ensures fair and lawful distribution of global assets, adhering to relevant international and local laws.
• Child custody and international relocation: We handle custody and relocation with the utmost care, focusing on the child’s best interests while managing international legal considerations.
• Spousal support across borders: We address the complexities of calculating and enforcing spousal support internationally, ensuring equitable treatment under applicable laws.

We also tackle international family law issues that fall under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, resolving issues of wrongful retention and abduction swiftly. We are also prepared to guide you through the enforcement and modification of child support across international lines, ensuring compliance with both international standards and local laws.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding International Divorce

At Zashin  Law, we understand that you likely have questions when handling complex family law disputes, such as those involving international divorce. We seek to provide our clients with comprehensive answers, valuing transparency and education.

Can I file for divorce in Ohio if my spouse lives in another country?

Yes. If you meet Ohio’s residency requirement, meaning you have lived in the state for at least six months, you can file for divorce in your local county, even if your spouse lives abroad. The court will have authority over the marriage itself, but it may face limitations when dividing property overseas or enforcing orders outside the U.S. In most cases, your spouse must be properly notified and given a chance to respond, even if they live in another country.

Who has jurisdiction in my international divorce?

Jurisdiction depends on where the case is filed and whether the court has authority over both spouses and the issues involved. In Ohio, a court can typically handle the divorce if you meet residency requirements. However, if your spouse lives overseas and does not consent to jurisdiction, the court may have limited power to divide foreign property or make binding custody decisions that cross borders. That is why notice, service of process and international cooperation can become essential in these cases.

How are assets and property in different countries divided during divorce?

Ohio follows equitable distribution, which means the court aims for a fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property. If some assets are located abroad, the court can consider them during the divorce. However, enforcing a judgment outside the U.S. often depends on the laws of that other country. In some cases, foreign courts will recognize and honor Ohio rulings; in others, they may not.

What if one parent wants to move to another country with the children after the divorce?

Moving a child internationally after divorce typically requires either court approval or the other parent’s consent. Ohio courts prioritize the child’s best interests and international moves raise serious concerns about parenting time, safety and enforcement of custody orders. If a parent relocates without permission, it may be considered parental kidnapping.

What is the Hague Convention, and how could it impact my custody or divorce case?

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty designed to return children who have been wrongfully taken across borders. If your custody dispute involves a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, the treaty may help enforce your custody rights and prevent international child abduction. 

Ohio courts can use the Hague Convention to seek the return of a child, but its effectiveness depends on international cooperation. However, not all countries participate, and that is where things get much more difficult.

Partner With Zashin Law For International Divorce Services

Choosing the right legal adviser is crucial in international divorce cases. Our proven track record in complex, high-stakes international cases demonstrates our capability to exceed sophisticated client needs. Harness our deep legal understanding and proactive approach for your international divorce or family law issues.

Contact our Cleveland office at 888-875-5772 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today and experience the advantage of working with a law firm that truly grasps the global dimensions of family law.