International Divorce Lawyer Nassau County, NY

Nassau County, on Long Island, is home to a globally connected population, with residents who hold ties to countries around the world. When a marriage that spans international borders comes to an end, the legal process becomes more complex than a typical divorce. International divorce in Nassau County involves matters such as a spouse residing in a different country, assets held overseas, marriages celebrated under foreign law, and the need to enforce a divorce judgment in another jurisdiction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice on family law and international divorce, representing clients throughout Nassau County. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to these matters and have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The firm serves clients from Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, Syosset, and surrounding communities. For a consultation about an international divorce in Nassau County, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

The filing fee to commence a divorce action in New York Supreme Court includes a fee to purchase an index number and a fee for the Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI).

Source: New York State Unified Court System. NYS CourtHelp – Divorce Filing

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

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What an International Divorce Means in Nassau County

In Nassau County, all divorce proceedings, including those with international components, are heard in the Nassau County Supreme Court, located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501. The court operates under the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act. An international divorce adds layers beyond the standard New York requirements: the validity of a marriage celebrated in another country, the recognition of foreign divorce decrees, the service of process on a spouse residing abroad, and the division of marital property that may be located outside the United States.

New York allows a no-fault divorce based on an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. The state also retains fault-based grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, adultery, and imprisonment. Regardless of the ground, the court applies equitable distribution to divide marital assets. When those assets are held in foreign bank accounts, involve international real estate, or include foreign pension plans, the process requires a thorough understanding of how New York courts approach cross-border property classification and valuation. Nassau County’s proximity to international business corridors and its diverse population mean that international divorce questions arise frequently in the county’s matrimonial part.

Child custody and support in an international divorce raise additional concerns. If a parent intends to relocate a child to another country, New York courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which is a critical fact in any case involving potential removal of a child to India. The legal team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Addresses these issues with a focus on protecting parental rights while working within the procedural framework of the Nassau County courts.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle International Divorce Cases

When someone contacts the firm regarding an international divorce in Nassau County, the first step is a consultation. During this meeting, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel gather information about the marriage, the parties’ nationalities and current residences, the location of assets, and any existing foreign court orders. This initial review allows the firm to identify the jurisdiction issues and the applicable legal principles under New York law.

International divorce often requires service of process on a spouse located in another country. The firm navigates available mechanisms, which may include the Hague Service Convention, letters rogatory, or, where permitted, alternative service authorized by the court. Once jurisdiction is established, the legal work moves to discovery. Tracing overseas assets demands a careful approach, often involving collaboration with foreign-law professionals where necessary, while ensuring that all disclosures meet New York’s mandatory financial disclosure requirements. The firm also handles pendente lite motions seeking temporary support, exclusive occupancy of the marital home, or restraints on the transfer of assets during the case. Throughout, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel aim to resolve matters efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation in the Nassau County Supreme Court. They do not guarantee outcomes, but work to achieve a resolution that addresses the unique cross-border dimensions of each case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Since 1997, he has built a firm that handles complex family law matters, including international divorce, across multiple states. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), demonstrating a commitment to legislative engagement on family law issues.

Working alongside Mr. Sris is a team of Of Counsel attorneys chosen for their substantial experience in family law and related fields. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The team’s collective background includes a depth of knowledge in navigating the rules and procedures of the Nassau County Supreme Court, as well as the cross-border legal challenges international divorce presents. The firm maintains a New York location by appointment at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, and serves clients throughout Nassau County by arrangement.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar • Maryland Judiciary • DC Bar • NJ Courts • NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions About International Divorce in Nassau County

What is an international divorce?

An international divorce is a divorce in which the parties are citizens of different countries, the marriage took place abroad, or significant marital assets are located outside the country where the divorce is filed. In Nassau County, such a case proceeds under New York law but includes additional jurisdictional, recognition, and enforcement issues. The court must determine whether it has jurisdiction over both spouses and whether a foreign marriage is valid under the lex loci celebrationis doctrine. Asset division may require identifying and valuing property in multiple countries, and custody orders must consider the risk of international child abduction, especially when a child might be taken to a country that is not a party to the 1980 Hague Abduction Convention.

Do I need a lawyer for an international divorce in Nassau County?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer for an international divorce, the cross-border issues in such a case make legal guidance highly advisable. An attorney experienced in international divorce can address service of process abroad, verify the validity of a foreign marriage, trace assets across borders, and ensure that the divorce judgment will be recognized in other countries. In Nassau County, the procedural rules of the Supreme Court apply, and missing a critical step—such as properly serving a spouse outside the United States—can delay the case or lead to jurisdictional challenges. A lawyer helps navigate these requirements efficiently.

How does the process work for an international divorce in New York?

The process begins with filing a summons and complaint in the New York Supreme Court, serving the other spouse, and then proceeding through disclosure, negotiations, and, if necessary, trial. In an international divorce, service on a spouse abroad may involve the Hague Service Convention or letters rogatory, depending on the country involved. The court will then handle the same stages as any divorce: classification and distribution of marital property, determination of maintenance, and, if applicable, custody and child support. The international aspect adds complexity to each stage, particularly in gathering financial documents from foreign institutions and ensuring that a New York divorce decree will be recognized in the other country.

Where are international divorce cases heard in Nassau County?

All divorce cases in Nassau County, including international divorce matters, are heard in the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501. This is the court of general jurisdiction for matrimonial actions in the county. Sessions are conducted during the court’s business hours, Monday through Friday. The Supreme Court handles the entire divorce proceeding—from the filing of the summons and complaint to the entry of the final judgment of divorce—with any related custody or support issues addressed in the matrimonial part or referred to Family Court as necessary.

What should I bring to a consultation with an international divorce lawyer?

For a productive consultation, gather any documents related to your marriage, such as a marriage certificate, proof of citizenship or residence, prenuptial agreements, financial statements, and any court orders from another country. If you have information about assets held overseas, including account numbers, property deeds, or business interests, bring that as well. It is also helpful to note the date of your separation and any history of domestic conflict. The consultation will focus on understanding your goals, the international dimensions of your case, and which strategies may be appropriate under New York law. Contact our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule an appointment.

How do I find an international divorce lawyer in Nassau County?

You can find an international divorce lawyer in Nassau County by searching for a firm that practices family law with an emphasis on cross-border matters and that is familiar with the Nassau County Supreme Court. Look for attorneys who are admitted in multiple states and who have experience handling service of process abroad, foreign asset division, and enforcement of foreign divorce judgments. A consultation allows you to discuss your specific situation and assess whether the attorney’s background fits your needs. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations for international divorce matters; call (888) 437-7747.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Results may vary.