International Divorce

Divorce When a Spouse Lives Abroad — Understanding Texas Jurisdiction

You do not need to live in the same country as your spouse to pursue a divorce in Texas. If the filing spouse has lived in Texas for at least six months and in their county of filing for at least 90 days, the court may hear the case—even if the other spouse resides abroad.

This applies to scenarios such as:

• Couples who lived outside the United States due to career relocation
• A spouse working or stationed overseas
• A marriage that took place or was registered in another country

Clients turn to Texas jurisdiction because it provides a structured legal process and predictable procedures. Filing in Texas may offer stability and a reliable path forward when a marriage no longer aligns with the realities of international life.

If your divorce also involves significant wealth or a business, you may want to review our approach to high-net-worth divorce to understand how we protect assets and long-term goals.

Dividing Foreign Assets in an International Divorce

High-asset international divorces often include property and investments held in several countries. Texas is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during the marriage may be subject to division. The complexity arises when those assets are governed by foreign law.

Common examples include:

• Ownership interests in international companies or joint ventures
• Private or luxury real estate abroad
• Executive compensation, restricted stock, or performance incentives
• Offshore trusts or family wealth structures
• Brokerage or investment accounts held outside the U.S.
• Cryptocurrency tied to non-U.S. exchanges
• Art collections, antiques, or luxury assets stored internationally

We help clients identify these assets, understand their tax and legal implications, and determine how Texas courts will treat them. When necessary, we collaborate with valuation professionals, forensic accountants, and international counsel to ensure divisions are structured thoughtfully and with enforceability in mind.

Clients who own companies or hold equity may also benefit from learning about divorce for business owners to understand the importance of entity valuation, succession, and liquidity.

Enforcing a Texas Divorce Order in Other Countries

A Texas divorce decree does not automatically carry legal effect outside the United States. Each country has its own rules for recognizing foreign judgments. Failure to consider enforceability may lead to obstacles such as:

• Inability to transfer or sell property abroad
• Delays in accessing or liquidating business interests
• Custody agreements not being honored
• Ongoing financial obligations tied to foreign law

When appropriate, our attorneys coordinate with lawyers abroad to determine whether:

• A judgment must be registered or domesticated
• A parallel proceeding is required
• Authentication procedures, apostilles, or notarization apply
• Treaty-based protections are available

Our focus is not simply on obtaining a decree—it is ensuring the outcome functions in the countries where you live, travel, and maintain financial ties.

Resolving International Child Custody and Relocation Issues

Families who live internationally face parenting challenges that extend beyond traditional visitation schedules. A child’s education, travel permissions, and citizenship can all influence custody arrangements.

Key considerations may include:

• Passport issuance or renewals
• Travel permissions and exit controls
• Relocation requests
• School placement abroad
• Time zone differences
• Hague Convention protections in cases of wrongful removal

Custody plans should reflect how your family actually operates. Agreements that anticipate mobility, tuition responsibilities, and extended stays abroad help protect children from conflict and provide predictable structure.

If custody is a central concern, you may also explore our guidance on child custody to understand how Texas courts prioritize children’s well-being.

Why Work With Goranson Bain Ausley

• Largest family law firm in Texas
• Consistently voted #1 by Texas Lawyer
• Experienced in coordinating with international financial and legal advisors
• Strategic guidance for clients with complex, high-value portfolios
• A client-focused approach grounded in respect, clarity, and integrity

International divorce impacts more than marital status—it affects family relationships, mobility, business continuity, and the long-term distribution of wealth. Our role is to help clients navigate these challenges with foresight and confidence.