Yes, it is possible to file for divorce overseas if you were married in Australia. However, the process can be intricate and requires careful consideration of various legal aspects. Registering for overseas divorce in Australia is also possible.
The divorce laws of the country where you intend to file must be adhered to, and it’s essential to ensure that the divorce will be recognised in Australia.
Melbourne Family Lawyers represents many clients who do not live in Australia. If you live overseas, we can still represent you and apply for a Divorce in Australia under certain circumstances.
If any of the following apply, then an Australian Court would have jurisdiction to grant you a Divorce:
- If you or your spouse is an Australian Citizen; or
- If you or your spouse is domiciled in Australia (domiciled means the person regards Australia as their home and intends to live indefinitely in Australia); or
- If you or your spouse ordinarily live in Australia and have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately before applying for a divorce.
Only one of the above conditions must be satisfied to enable us to make a Divorce Application in Australia successfully.
Do I Need To Go Back to Australia for the Divorce Process?
The need to return to Australia for the divorce process depends on various factors, including the laws of the country where you intend to file for divorce and the specific circumstances of your case.
- Filing Overseas: If you meet the eligibility requirements to file for a divorce in a foreign country, you may not need to return to Australia. However, you must ensure that the overseas divorce will be recognised in Australia.
- Legal Representation in Australia: If you choose to file for divorce in Australia while living overseas, you may not necessarily need to return. You can appoint a legal representative in Australia to handle the proceedings.
- Australian Court Requirements: In some cases, Australian courts may require your presence for specific hearings or proceedings. This will depend on the nature of your case and the legal requirements in Australia.
Also read: Getting Married to a Foreigner in Australia
The Laws Surrounding Married in Australia Divorce Overseas
According to the Family Law Act 1975 in Australia, a foreign divorce may be recognised if at least one party is domiciled in the foreign country at the time of the divorce.
Jurisdictional requirements must also be considered, as the country where you intend to file for divorce must have jurisdiction over your case, often relating to residency or citizenship status.
Different countries have varying legal grounds for divorce, and understanding these and ensuring alignment with your situation is crucial.
International child custody and support laws can be particularly complex, and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction may apply in some cases.
The division of marital assets can vary widely between countries, and understanding both Australian and foreign laws is essential for a fair settlement.
Legal representation that understands Australian and foreign family law is often vital for navigating this intricate process.
Ensuring that the overseas divorce complies with Australian law and will be recognised in Australia is critical.
Some countries have bilateral agreements with Australia that may affect the divorce process, and understanding these agreements can be vital.
Additionally, conflicts between Australian and foreign law can arise, requiring careful legal navigation.
What Are the Considerations That Need To Be Made?
When considering filing for divorce overseas after being married in Australia, several factors must be taken into account:
- Jurisdiction: Understanding the legal jurisdiction of the country where you intend to file for divorce is crucial.
- Recognition in Australia: Ensuring that overseas divorce will be recognised in Australia is vital. This may require liaising with Australian legal authorities.
- Legal Requirements: Complying with the legal requirements of both the foreign country and Australia is necessary to ensure a smooth process.
- Costs and Time: Assessing the potential costs and time involved in the process can help make an informed decision.
These considerations require careful planning and professional guidance to navigate successfully.
How to File a Divorce Overseas if I Was Married in Australia
Filing for divorce overseas after being married in Australia involves several specific steps:
- Consult a Legal Expert: Engage a family lawyer familiar with international divorce laws.
- Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all relevant marriage and personal documents required in the foreign country.
- Understand the Local Laws: Research and understand the divorce laws of the country where you intend to file.
- File the Divorce Papers: Submit the necessary paperwork in the foreign country, adhering to their legal requirements.
- Ensure Recognition in Australia: Take steps to ensure that the divorce will be recognised in Australia, which may involve additional legal procedures.
How We Can Provide Assistance: Married in Australia Divorce Overseas
Jolie and Anderson were married in Australia, but Jolie later moved to France as she was assigned there to work. The long-distance marriage did not work for them, and Jolie filed for divorce while overseas.
Jolie contacted us, expressing her desire to file for divorce from France. We scheduled an online consultation to understand her unique situation, including the details of her marriage in Australia and her current residency in France.
We checked both French and Australian divorce laws to ensure that divorce would be recognised in Australia.
We guided Jolie in collecting all required documents, such as her marriage certificate, proof of residency in France, and other personal identification.
We prepared the necessary paperwork and coordinated with our French legal counterparts to file the divorce papers in France, adhering to all local legal requirements.
We liaised with Australian legal authorities, providing them with all necessary documentation to ensure the divorce would be recognised in Australia.
After successfully navigating the legal systems of both France and Australia, we finalised the divorce, ensuring that it was legally binding in both countries.
Always Seek Professional Guidance
Getting divorced overseas after marriage in Australia is a complex process that requires careful planning, understanding of legal systems, and professional guidance.
Individuals can confidently navigate this intricate process by considering the factors outlined in this article and seeking expert legal advice.
Whether understanding jurisdiction, ensuring recognition in Australia, or navigating foreign legal systems, focusing on “married in Australia divorce overseas” requires a specialised approach.
Engaging with legal experts with international family law experience can make the process smoother and more manageable.
Director of Melbourne Family Lawyers, Hayder manages the practice and oversees the running of all of the files in the practice. Hayder has an astute eye for case strategy and running particularly complex matters in the family law system.
