Enforcing an Order in Non-Hague Countries

Without the Convention, enforcement gets creative — often by reaching what the parent still touches in the United States.

Start with recognition

Locate the parent's residency, citizenship, employer, and assets, and check whether the country recognizes U.S. judgments through local law or a bilateral agreement. Even without the Convention, a foreign court may recognize the judgment via exequatur or a comparable procedure.

Leverage U.S.-based assets

Target bank accounts at international institutions, payments flowing from U.S. companies, and domestic property. Multinational employers often honor U.S. income withholding orders even for employees abroad, and U.S.-headquartered gig platforms can be reached by subpoena for payouts through American accounts. Significant arrears can also trigger a U.S. passport hold — a practical motivator for an expat who needs to travel.

Mind safety and cost

In some countries, aggressive tactics can endanger the child or caregiver — a mediated settlement with realistic international transfers may be wiser. Use bilingual attorneys with local standing, and budget for translations, notarizations, and apostilles.

Since 1997, the child support lawyer team at Sinkin Law Firm has recovered unpaid support for parents statewide.