Relocation overseas is becoming a more common scenario for Australian families. Our team at Nicholes Family Lawyers frequently advises ex-pat and international clients who need assistance with Australian family law. In the past we have advised on matters that involved aspects in many jurisdictions, including but not limited to:
- Vanuatu
- South Africa
- China
- Turkey
- Indonesia
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- England
- France
- Argentina
- Singapore
- United States of America
- Canada
- Holland
- Serbia
- Japan
- Malaysia
In addition, we have lawyers that speak Italian, Croatian and German.
World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights
Managing Partner Sally Nicholes is Deputy Chair of the Board of the World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights. The World Congress exists to enhance, promote and protect the human rights of children and young people. Every four years, the World Congress brings together individuals and organisations from across the world who have influence on the legal and justice system to work together to effect change. It achieves positive change by developing best practice, establishing Congress resolutions, facilitating partnerships and funding projects across the globe.
Managing Partner Sally Nicholes and Partner Nadine Udorovic at the 7th World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights in Dublin, 2017
International Blogs
Members of our International Law interest group at Nicholes Family Lawyers regularly prepare Blog Posts with a focus on current international developments. Read our international blog here: https://nicholeslaw.com.au/category/international_family_law/
International Connections
Children’s Rights International (CRI)
Children’s Rights International (CRI) is an organisation whose mission is to promote, protect and advance the human rights of children globally. Managing Partner Sally Nicholes is a board member of CRI. In her role as a board member she travels internationally assisting in CRI’s mission. Other members of Nicholes Family Lawyers also attend various events in coordination with CRI in support of the rights of children.
Associate Isabel Britten-Jones in Cambodia for CRI with the Hon Jennifer Coates AO and Alistair Nicholson AO RFD QC.
The 6th Law Asia Family Law & Children’s Rights Conference
Held in Hong Kong in June of 2016, the Conference focused on cross border family law and children’s rights issues including surrogacy, the interaction of secular family law systems and religion, the impact of ADR on children, the ethical issues for family lawyers and dealing with modern family concepts across jurisdictions. Sally spoke at the symposium on the Australian position on surrogacy on an international expert panel.
The Quilt Programme
The Quilt Programme aims to tackle gender-based discrimination and violence. The programme was piloted in Victoria and was endorsed by Brett Gosper, the CEO of World Rugby. The programme aims to address domestic violence in rugby and asks for rugby clubs to discipline players committing domestic violence. If successful in Victoria, World Rugby intends to roll out the programme globally.
Nicholes Family Lawyers are a proud official partner & supplier of this initiative.
International Academy of Family Lawyers
Managing Partner Sally Nicholes and Senior Partner Keturah Sageman are members of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). The IAFL is an international association of practicing lawyers who are recognised by their peers as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries.
International Academy of Family Lawyers Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting in Brisbane
Nicholes Family Lawyers’ Managing Partner Sally Nicholes and Partner Keturah Sageman moderated an educational session at the IAFL Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting in Brisbane. Focused on “Coercive Control and Article 13 of the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction,” the session featured Justice Victoria Bennett AO’s keynote address, offering insights into family violence and coercive control in Hague return applications. Geeta Luthra discussed the Indian perspective, followed by an expert panel exploring jurisdictional approaches. The session provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the legal complexities surrounding coercive control and international child abduction across various jurisdictions.
Law Asia
Sally Nicholes and Keturah Sageman are also members of LAWASIA, the law association for Asia and the Pacific. LAWASIA advocates for cross-jurisdictional exchange of legal knowledge and encourages adherence to the rule of law, professional integrity and the protection of human rights.
How we can help:
If you have an international family law dispute or question, we have experience with the following:
- Property settlement and the re-structure of family assets: advising on property settlement and the re-structure of family assets following separation, including assets located both in Australia and overseas.
- Arrangements for children: advising on appropriate arrangements for children following separation, including where one party wishes to relocate with the children, or return to Australia with the children.
- Matters involving international child abduction.
- Child support: advising on appropriate child support arrangements and documenting these by way of binding child support agreements.
- Registration of overseas orders: including child support and maintenance orders and judgments.
- Obtaining a divorce in Australia: where one or more of the parties to the marriage is an Australian citizen.