Mediation For Expats in Austria

At Mediation Europe, we have an expert group of certified family arbitrators running in areas throughout Europe and the World. Our team are here to help you with mediation hassle-free to where you live. Our group includes team member with a full degree of experience and proficiency in legal and mediation matters. Most of our family conciliators have experience as Solicitors, social workers, counsellors or organization.

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Shining a light on family law for expats

Author is an attorney, mediator and partner at Mediation Europe, a practice which specialises in (inter) national family law.

Living an expat life can be interesting, however also really tough – specifically as far as family matters are concerned. Divorce rates, for example, are higher than average amongst expats.

Where to apply for divorce when you are an expat?

Last summer, I once again went through marathon mediation sessions with an expat couple in order to reach a divorce arrangement, and, even more importantly, a parenting strategy before the school year started. This was since one of the partners had been appointed a new publishing in the US, while the other partner did not wish to leave. A joint petition for divorce was filed in August in the , in order to prevent more escalation and proceedings in the US.

Numerous spouses who are dealing with a divorce are not knowledgeable about the truth that divorce proceedings can be initiated in more than one country. Which it is for that reason crucial to get sound professional suggestions on which country is to be chosen – as there is no single response to the question “which is best”.

The very first consideration must be, of course, whether the divorce can be set up by the spouses through mediation, in a collaborative divorce setting or with help from their lawyers.

The advantage to this is that the Dutch courts help with a fast divorce once the spouses have signed a divorce covenant. If it is not likely that a divorce covenant or any other agreement will be reached, the next crucial step is to identify which courts have jurisdiction and which nationwide laws these courts may apply, or are required to apply. Here are a few examples.

Online forum shopping

As a family attorney with a global practice, I recommend my clients that it may be more effective to initiate procedures in the Austria when, for circumstances, time is a problem. In some other countries, such as the U.S.A., Germany and Switzerland, the partners have to wait one year (after separation) prior to they can begin divorce procedures.

Another reason to choose a Dutch court is that this makes it possible to use Dutch law to the proceedings, as the court uses its own law. This suggests that you only need to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, as the Dutch courts do not assign blame (if any) or think about any associated charges. In this context, it is likewise worthwhile taking a look at which of the courts with jurisdiction regarding the divorce can use its own law concerning spousal alimony.

Do not forget that both celebrations can go forum shopping! Once the forum has been agreed upon, the divorce petition should be submitted as quickly as possible with the favored court, must an amicable divorce not be possible. Once a petition is pending, any other court approached later, will then have to avoid handling the case.

What are your choices?

As an attorney specialising in international family law, I always attempt to encourage my new divorce customers, specifically expat clients, to consider divorce as a transfer from married life to a life after marital relationship … for both. And to point out how important it is to attempt to settle the effects of the divorce, specifically when there are kids included.

To attain a liveable life after divorce, I frequently suggest mediation. Disputes between partners in divorce are quite often matched to a mediation method, where the most crucial possession of mediation is that the parties themselves achieve a solution together. This increases the commitment to and acceptance of the option and the sustainability of the divorce agreement.

This is particularly essential for my expat customers, as their divorce contracts are more likely to be challenged by altering circumstances in the future.

Often, mediation is not a choice. When the difference in skills and understanding between the partners is too great, threatening to create an imbalance too vast to mediate. Because case, a collective divorce setting may be a practical alternative. With collective divorce, both parties pick their own lawyer to promote their interests, as well as their typical interests.

A coach with a psychological background structures the procedure, mentioning possible problems worrying kids in an early stage and directing the moms and dads towards an option. The common goal of this team of 5 is to reach the most ideal service possible for both partners.

In economically complex cases, the services of an independent financial and/or worldwide tax consultant can likewise be utilized.

Legal jungle

We do realise that global family law can sometimes be a jungle for our expat customers, regardless of all the efforts to unify conventions and Austria policies.

Even between EU countries, there stay impressive differences in guidelines and legislation. Not only regarding divorce, but likewise regarding children substantiated of an international relationship, or when the appropriate matrimonial law conflicts with the appropriate law of succession, particularly when it concerns real estate in various nations.

Living an expat life, the existence of this legal jungle is a crucial problem to be mindful of. Mediation Europe gladly uses you their competence.

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Cross border family mediation in Austria

Mediation in cross border cases concerning children

Mediation in children cases can be very successful as it focuses both moms and dads’ minds on their kids and most importantly what will be in their benefits. Oftentimes moms and dads rely on mediation, in preference to costly court proceedings. They make every effort to preserve a peaceable and considerate life for the moms and dads and kids moving forward. But what about in international child moving cases?

Child moving mediations in Austria

There are numerous international regulations and conventions which takes precedence over court orders in some scenarios. It is necessary that your mediator understand these like the back of their hand.In international cases worrying a change in jurisdiction, mediation is still possible. The moms and dads’ positions might be polarised but sometimes each moms and dad just requires to be in a more unwinded environment (far from the courtroom) and listen carefully to the propositions advanced by the other. What is stated is ‘without bias’ so it can not be described in any future court procedures.

The area of global family law, whether it includes children or finance, is hugely complex. All concerns should be carefully thought about and brought to the mediation table throughout the procedure. Not to consider them would, in our view, be a failed (perhaps negligent) mediation. It is therefore essential that mediators with international knowledge are utilized. Question your mediator concerning the experience s/he has in global family law. It is your right to understand. There are lots of safeguards which must be put in location to secure the agreement you both reach and a raft of pitfalls to prevent. There are many international policies and conventions which takes precedence over court orders in some scenarios. It is important that your mediator know these like the back of their hand.

Example: A couple may have concurred that one of them will relocate with a child to another country for one year and will then return to the contact and living plans that existed prior to the short move. BUT if that parent chose not to return, it may be really hard for the left parent to firmly insist on a return even if an application is made to the court.

Concern: If it is argued that the children have actually ‘settled’ in the other nation the kids may not be bought to return ‘home’ whatever a mediation contract or court order states.

Duty of care

Children are just brought into the mediation process if it is needed or if they wish to be heard and the moms and dads agree.At iFLG, we specialise in cross border cases involving children and we understand these pitfalls. It is our duty to raise these concerns in the mediation procedure and for the parents to consider them. By raising these issues, the parents can then look for particular legal guidance prior to reaching a mediated agreement. The attorney can attend a mediation or the mediation can be adjourned for a short time to allow a parent to seek suggestions prior to continuing. The final agreement should be one which works and is water tight. We always advise putting a mediated contract involving worldwide elements into a court order as this will be constantly be more safe and secure than a contract which has actually not been backed by a court. If it is proposed that a child will be returned after a period abroad or contact plans are set out, it is important that as numerous safeguards as possible have actually been developed into the contract or court order as possible.

The mediator has a task of care to the mediation process, to make sure any arrangement made remains in the finest interest of the children, reasonable to both parents which all crucial concerns which might trigger the agreement to stop working have actually been properly considered.

, if a contract is reached within the mediation process a Memorandum of Understanding is drafted.. This is a legally privileged document setting out everything from with whom and where the children will live; the contact plans (with moms and dads and extended family); special occasions; a decision making structure for all major turning points in the kids’s lives; health, education and faith. The list is limitless.

Children are just brought into the mediation process if it is needed or if they want to be heard and the moms and dads concur. In practice, we can see children from the age of 8/9 years upwards. The kids are invited to consult with the mediator individually however just if they and the parents agree. Often the voices of the kids help moms and dads to really comprehend how their kids feel which in turn assists them to make the right decision for their family. Mediation helps bring the voice of the child/children to the forefront.

Mediation typically takes 3 sessions each of around 2 hours. These sessions can be face to face at our Austria workplaces or through Skype. Mediation is cost efficient and works well. It is likewise quickly ‘portable’ throughout the world’s time zones.

Here is some feedback from families who have gone through the mediation process with us:

” Mediation provided us both a chance to talk to each other calmly. It took away much of the dispute and hurt we were both feeling”

” Mediation permitted us to focus on our kids’s future”

” The mediation allowed us to speak about the things we feared following the breakdown of our marriage.

” Mediation offered me a better understand for how my ex-partner was feeling”. It assisted us both carry on”.

, if you would like additional information on the Children’s Mediation Service at iFLG see our site.. If you have any questions relating to the mediation structure and process you can call Mediation Europe on [email protected]

The contents of this post are for reference purposes only. They do not make up legal guidance and must not be relied on. Legal guidance ought to always be sought for your specific situation.