Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Divorce and International Child Custody

Me (Father) and my son are US Citizens and have resided in MA for a long time. My wife wants to file for divorce and take our son to India after divorce (She is a permanent resident from India).

Is this legal? Can I stop my son from leaving this country? Can I be awarded child custody solely based on that?

Please advice.


Asked on 7/01/08, 3:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Gregory Lee Gregory P. Lee, Attorney at Law

Re: Divorce and International Child Custody

You should file for divorce yourself, and seek appropriate orders. The Court will not allow one party to remove the child unless that party can show a "real advantage" to herself from the move. This "real advantage" must be one that also benefits the child. Removal outside the U.S. is likely to be harder to obtain than to another U.S. state.

However, much depends on you working quickly and well. In addition, the age of the child will be important, as well as the opportunities here vs. India.

I would be happy to discuss matters further. I have a Boston and an Attleboro office.

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Answered on 7/01/08, 3:45 pm

Re: Divorce and International Child Custody

You need to file for divorce and seek an order stopping the removal of the child from the USA. The court must operate in the best interest of the child and removal from the State much less the country has to be based on the needs of the child. You can certainly seek physical custody of the child as well. Depending upon the age of your son, his preferences will be considered as well.

You should find an attorney who has experience in international divorces. This is not my area of expertise, but I would be happy to refer you to someone with experience in such matters.

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Answered on 7/01/08, 3:52 pm


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