International Child Custody Attorney: Miami, Florida
One fallout of Florida having such a diverse mix of international residents is a high number of cases involving international custody disputes. In addition to applying Florida’s standard child custody laws in these cases, a number of other factors come into play when establishing the rights of parents who live in different countries.
The overriding objective of determining what is in the best interest of the child remains a key factor in any court decision. The citizenship status of both parents also plays an important role.
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At the law office of Ronald H. Kauffman, A Professional Association, attorney Kauffman uses a comprehensive understanding of the laws that apply to international custody cases to advocate aggressively on behalf of his clients. Ron has practiced law since 1993 and has focused on family law for more than a decade.
Addressing The Urgency Of International Child Abduction Cases
Often, international child custody disputes involve the illegal abduction of a child by a parent who then flees the country. It may also apply to a parent who keeps a child in another country beyond an agreed upon time frame. In these situations, it is critical to work with a lawyer who has extensive knowledge of the Hague Convention, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and other international laws that will help you protect your parental rights.
If a child has been wrongfully removed to another country, a parent may invoke the Hague Convention in attempt to obtain the child’s return to the U.S. It is important to note that the Hague Convention applies only to other nations that have adopted it — so-called signatory nations. Currently, more than 100 countries are members and adhere to its guidelines.
The Hague Convention is designed to ensure that a child who is wrongfully removed from the country is returned as expediently as possible. Whether a parent has legal custody rights is determined by the law of the country in which the child is a “habitual resident.”
Miami International Child Custody Attorney
Ronald H. Kauffman has practiced law in Florida since 1993, and was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1992. Additionally, Ron was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the U.S. District Court for Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit.
After completing a judicial clerkship, Ron handled complex consumer protection and antitrust matters at the Federal Trade Commission before entering practice. He is board certified in marital and family law by the Florida Bar.
What is Your Family Law Issue? Start Here to Explore the Practice:
Family Law
There are a number of attorneys in South Florida, but only a handful are board certified in marital and family law by the Supreme Court of Florida and the Florida Bar. Ronald H. Kauffman is one of them.
Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements are important for couples planning to marry. Many people believe prenuptial agreements are only for the rich and famous. However, prenuptial agreements help all couples.
Paternity
Paternity actions are filed in order to legally establish a child’s biological father, typically for the purposes of protecting one’s parental rights or to allow the mother to acquire child support from the father.
Same-Sex Relationships
Because Florida does not recognize same-sex marriage — even for individuals who were married in a state where same-sex marriage is legal — Florida statutes regarding divorce do not apply to same-sex couples.
Parental Relocation
When one parent wants to move more than 50 miles from their current address with a minor child, they will need either the consent of the other parent, or a court order granting a relocation petition.
Assisted Reproductive Technology Law
Increased use of in vitro fertilization, surrogate parenting and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) for the purposes of giving birth have added a new level of complexity to family law issues.