Dr. Hassan Elhais
Dubai, United Arab Emirates- Construction Disputes
- International Arbitration
- Lawsuits & Disputes
- +114
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Price range
- $$
- Founded
- 2006
2,937 law firms worldwide practising International Family Law. Narrow down by city to find a firm near you.
International family law covers family disputes that cross borders. Typical matters include divorce between spouses of different nationalities or living abroad, deciding which country's courts and law apply, international child abduction, recognising a foreign divorce or custody order, enforcing maintenance in another country, surrogacy and adoption across borders, and expat couples with assets in several jurisdictions. The first question is often not what the outcome will be, but where the case should be heard.
Rules are national, with an international layer on top. Within the EU, the Brussels IIb Regulation decides which court hears divorce and parental responsibility cases, the Maintenance Regulation covers support and Rome III lets some couples choose the applicable divorce law. The 1980 Hague Convention provides for the prompt return of abducted children between member states, and the 1996 Hague Convention deals with child protection measures. Outside these frameworks, recognition depends on each country's own rules, and the first court seised can win the race.
Fees are usually hourly, and international cases often need lawyers in two or more countries working together, plus translations. Contingency fees are banned in family matters in most countries. In Hague abduction cases, some countries grant legal aid to the left-behind parent regardless of means, through the central authority.
Speed is critical. Filing first in a favourable country can decide the case, and Hague return applications are strongest if made within a year of removal. Before hiring, ask whether the lawyer has handled international cases with your countries, which forum they would choose, who they work with abroad and how costs will be shared. Then filter by country or city below.
Featured firms
There are 2,933 International Family Law law firms worldwide in our directory. 101 of them have a public rating, averaging 4.8 out of 5.
Cities with the most International Family Law firms are Dubai (9), Bloemfontein (9), Porto (8), Lahore (8) and Durban (8).
Languages are listed for 2,918 firms; the most common are English (2,897), Urdu (63), French (61), Spanish (61) and Hindi (60).
Of the firms that publish an indicative price range, 100% describe themselves as moderate ($$). Always ask for a written quote for your matter - see our guide to lawyer fees.
54 firms are ranked in The Legal 500. The longest-established firm listed was founded in 1763.
Lexrova lists 2,933 International Family Law law firms worldwide. 101 of them have a public rating (average 4.8/5).
Based on publicly available ratings, the highest rated include Martin Rechtsanwälte (5★, 131 reviews), Vista Legal Services (5★, 84 reviews) and MS Concept Rechtsanwälte | Stuttgart (5★, 34 reviews). Ratings are one signal - check practice areas and ask about experience with matters like yours.
Yes. The languages listed most often are English, Urdu, French, Spanish and Hindi. Each profile shows the languages the firm works in.
Fees depend on the firm, the lawyer's seniority and the complexity of the matter. Among firms that publish a price range here, the most common is moderate ($$). Ask for a written estimate and the fee basis (hourly, fixed or contingency) before you start - our guide to lawyer fees explains the options.
Start from your issue and location, compare practice areas, languages and recognitions, and ask about fees in writing. Our guide on choosing a law firm in another country has a step-by-step checklist.