Custody battle exposes difficulties with international law - Yakima, Washington

“This is the story of one mothers harrowing journey into an international legal black hole, a trail of back-and-forths through myriad court systems and bureaucracies that has left Fuentes heartbroken.

Family-law attorneys in Yakima say they see international child-abduction cases involving Mexico from time to time. Ellen McLaughlin said many of her Hispanic clients are afraid the ex-spouse will flee across the border with the children.

“I wouldnt say it happens frequently, but I see it enough. A lot of my clients fear this because when it happens, it becomes very expensive and youre suddenly dealing with the complexities of international law,” McLaughlin said.”

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