You may not think of yourself as an international family law attorney, but you may already be handling cross-border custody disputes. Domestic violence survivors and immigrant families frequently encounter situations where international borders complicate custody, visitation, and safety planning. Parents may flee another country seeking protection in Texas, while others may face allegations of wrongful removal or retention under international law.
This session, presented by attorneys from the Binational Project on Family Violence at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, will provide an overview of two of the most important legal frameworks governing international child custody disputes: the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
Attendees will learn how Hague Convention proceedings operate in both incoming and outgoing cases, including available remedies, defenses frequently raised in domestic violence contexts, and issue spotting in potential international abduction cases. The presentation will also cover the registration and enforcement of foreign custody orders in Texas courts under the UCCJEA, including practical guidance for drafting pleadings, preparing evidence and navigating common challenges in enforcement litigation.
This session aims to demystify international custody litigation and equip advocates with practical tools they can use in representing a parent involved in cross-border custody litigation.
This session offers a deep dive into the real-world collaboration between social workers, advocates, attorneys, and families. We will share direct experiences from the field, illustrating how social work intervention acts as a vital "gateway" to services that run alongside and beyond the legal process.
Our discussion focuses on the tactical side of partnership: how we can effectively back each other up both in the courtroom and during day-to-day advocacy. We will tackle the essential challenge of setting boundaries, ensuring every professional has a clear lane and a defined role as the case unfolds.
