When to Hire International Counsel

International child support cases add layers—treaties, translations, and foreign court procedure. While Central Authorities and state agencies carry much of the load in Hague Convention matters, there are times when retaining private foreign counsel is the smartest move. Here’s how to decide, what to look for, and how to keep costs under control.

Signals you need local counsel.

• The other parent lives in a non‑Hague country with no automatic recognition path. 

• A Hague case stalls awaiting a local recognition hearing or compliance with unique procedural steps. 

• You need asset‑based remedies (bank levy, property lien) that require a local filing. 

• Service of process keeps failing and the court demands proof under local rules. 

• There’s a risk of conflicting orders unless you appear and seek recognition first.

What counsel does abroad. A foreign lawyer can file recognition/enforcement petitions, attend hearings, obtain local court orders for wage withholding or bank seizures, and coordinate with employers or platforms operating in that country. They can also validate translations, arrange apostilles or legalizations, and advise on privacy, data‑transfer, and employment‑law constraints that affect garnishment.

How to find the right fit. Ask your Central Authority or domestic agency for referrals; look for bilingual practitioners experienced in family enforcement and judgment recognition. Request written bios, bar registrations, and two references. Interview for responsiveness, clarity, and comfort with cross‑border banking and payroll. Avoid generalists who have never handled foreign recognition of a support order.

Scope, fees, and reporting. Define a tight scope: “File recognition of U.S. order, obtain enforceability order, and serve employer X.” Seek a flat fee for predictable steps and an hourly rate for hearings or appeals. Require monthly status emails listing filings, next dates, and costs to date. Ask for digital copies of every filing and stamped order for your records and for your domestic agency’s ledger.

Data, privacy, and security. You’ll share sensitive personal and financial information. Use secure transfer (encrypted email or portals) and minimize unnecessary data. Confirm how counsel will store, share, and eventually delete documents. In some countries, data‑protection laws restrict how payroll or bank information can be obtained—local counsel will help navigate lawful paths.

Coordination with Central Authorities. Make counsel an ally, not a duplicate. Copy the Central Authority on key filings and ask counsel to respect the existing application so the government channel stays open for future updates. A short kickoff call with all three parties (you, domestic agency, foreign counsel) prevents crossed wires.

Budgeting and outcomes. International steps take longer than domestic ones. Set realistic timelines, identify milestones (recognition order issued, IWO served, first payment posted), and plan for follow‑up. Consider whether an initial lump‑sum settlement plus ongoing smaller payments is more feasible given currency controls or employer practices in the foreign country.

Bottom line. Hire international counsel when treaty channels alone can’t reach the income or assets—or when procedure demands a local advocate. With a narrow scope, transparent fees, and strong coordination, foreign counsel becomes the bridge between your valid order and actual payments.