Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

American-Dominican Custody

I am a U.S. citizen and married a Dominican in the DR and we have a baby. We are now separated. He says he wants our daughter to have dual citizenship. If our daughter becomes a citizen of the DR, does this mean a court can issue an order concerning custody and visitation against me?


Asked on 5/12/07, 8:30 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: American-Dominican Custody

I don't know DR law, but Washington law states that Washington State, has jurisdiction over the child if it lived here and has not been living somewhere else for six months (and most other states of the United States have a similar rule) (this is a general statement of the rule there are exceptions). You should consult with an attorney in or near Yakima and give him more detail about the situation. If your concern is with a situation that is happening now, you should definitely consult with an attorney.

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Answered on 5/13/07, 1:53 am
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: American-Dominican Custody

Mr. Steuart is right. You should talk to a local attorney. Citizenship is not the same as a court's jurisdiction. Jurisdiction over the child depends on where the child has been living for the last six months.

I don't know DR law at all, but I doubt that they could enter orders related to a child who is not a resident. Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 5/15/07, 7:53 pm


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