Cross-Border Family Law
Jurisdiction & Recognition of Foreign Orders
Where one parent is foreign, one is Thai, and the family exists across two legal systems at once.
Talk to us
Tell us the situation and we will tell you what we think you should do — and what it will cost.
Who this is for
- Thai–foreign couples separating
- Foreign parents of children born in Thailand
- Thai parents whose former partner has left the country
- Families where a child may be relocated abroad
What we handle
Scope of work
Jurisdiction — which country’s court can decide
Recognition of foreign marriages, divorces and orders
Legitimation and parental rights for foreign fathers
Custody and relocation disputes
Child support across borders
Coordination with lawyers in the other jurisdiction
How it works
How we run the matter
- Consultation covering both jurisdictions
- Confirmation of legal parental status in Thailand
- Strategy — negotiation, agreement or court
- Filing and representation
- Enforcement, including across borders where needed
Documents to prepare
- Child’s birth certificate and passport
- Marriage or divorce certificates, if any
- Both parents’ identification documents
- Any existing court orders, foreign or Thai
- Evidence of the child’s residence and schooling
Common questions
Lawyers for this matter
Founding Partner
Chanin Taongern
40+ years of courtroom and advisory experience
Partner
Pongsanan Taongern
Modern legal practice, business advisory and international client support
Related services
Child Legitimation
For unmarried fathers: the step that turns a biological relationship into a legal one. Without it, most parental rights do not exist.
Read moreLegal Paternity
Establishing — or disputing — paternity where it is contested, and dealing with what follows either way.
Read moreChild Custody
Parental power decided on the child’s welfare — with realistic advice about what a Thai court is likely to order.
Read moreSpeak to a lawyer