Laws regarding marriage and divorce vary from state to state and from country to country. When residents of the United States get married in another country, or when a resident of the United States marries a resident of another country, and the married persons then seek a divorce, the potential application of significantly different laws can make the process more difficult and complex. And this is especially true when the spouses separate and live in different countries before seeking a divorce—sometimes taking or keeping the spouses’ children with them.

There are generally no international divorce laws—only the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (an international treaty on the wrongful removal or retention of children)—but divorces in which more than one country’s laws may apply are informally referred to as international divorces.

There may also be differences in the laws of different countries regarding what constitutes a marriage—resulting in a situation when two persons are married under the laws of one country, but not under the laws of another country.

A person in such an international marriage or domestic partnership who believes the relationship may be coming to an end should consult with a family law specialist at the earliest opportunity.

In Louisiana (LA), as in other U.S. states, marriage and divorce laws are governed by state statutes. When a marriage occurs abroad or involves individuals from different countries, the process of divorce can become complex due to the application of different legal systems. Louisiana does not have specific international divorce laws, but it does recognize the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which addresses issues of child custody and wrongful removal across international borders. The recognition of a marriage performed in another country depends on whether it meets Louisiana's legal requirements for marriage. If individuals in an international marriage or domestic partnership are considering divorce, it is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law to navigate the complexities of potentially applicable laws from different jurisdictions. This attorney can provide guidance on issues such as asset division, child custody, and spousal support, which may be influenced by the laws of the countries involved.