Divorce isn't such a tragedy. A tragedy's staying in an unhappy marriage, teaching your children the wrong things about love. Nobody ever died of divorce.
Jennifer Weiner
Family Law: divorce proceedings, conclusion of marriage (Russia)
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Question

If I obtain a divorce from my Russian wife in the United States and she is now back in Moscow with a permanent 10 year USA green card, then should my US divorce be filed or should it follow any US Russian or International Treaty? or can I just follow US law? \nIf there is a treaty what is the name of it and where can I find information about it?

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Answer

Divorce cases completed in the US are valid in Russia, as well as divorce cases completed in Russia are valid in the US. If your wife is registered at the place of her current living in Russia, then I believe it makes sense to file for the divorce in Russia. If, however, she is not registered in Russia, then it will be faster and better to file for divorce in the US. \nI believe that in that case, the document announcing the completion of the divorce needs to be legalized, i.e. apostilled. Then, the document needs to be translated to Russian and the translation be notarized. All this is required according to the Hague convention from October 5, 1961, which is signed by both Russia and the US. \nSince I am a Russian lawyer, I deal with divorces cases filed in Russian courts, and can assist you in that matter. Unfortunately, I only have a text of Hague convention in Russian, and not in English. \nI hope, I answered all your questions.

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