From divorce and custody matters to complex family issues, Elena is committed to guiding her clients with care, clarity, and strength. She believes that family emergencies are just as urgent as medical ones — and she shows up for her clients when it matters most. You’ll never be passed around; Elena will be with you every step of the way.
At MJD Legal, we blend cutting-edge technology with deeply personal service. The tech helps make your case smoother, faster, and more efficient. But what makes us different is the human side — the hi-touch approach. You’ll get thoughtful communication, real understanding, and direct access to your attorney. It’s modern legal support with a personal connection.
Navigating Life’s Most Challenging Transitions
Divorce is inherently complex, but when it involves high-net-worth estates, intricate business interests, international concerns, or contested custody arrangements, the intricacies multiply. A complex divorce demands not only legal expertise but also an elevated level of strategic thinking and nuanced understanding of both financial and emotional landscapes.
At MJD, Elena Giannattasio stands as a trusted advocate for individuals facing these high-stakes situations. With a wealth of experience in handling the most intricate divorce cases, Elena provides sophisticated, tailor-made solutions for clients navigating life-altering separations. Each case is met with a meticulous, personalized approach — understanding that no two families, financial situations, or emotional dynamics are the same.
What Defines a Complex Divorce?
At MJD, we understand that every complex divorce requires a tailored strategy that aligns with our client’s long-term goals. Elena Giannattasio personally handles each case, carefully crafting a legal strategy that considers the full spectrum of financial, emotional, and practical concerns. Whether through litigation, private mediation, or collaborative law, our goal is to provide a process that is as efficient as it is compassionate.
While divorce is a means of separation, at MJD, we approach it as an opportunity to help our clients secure their futures. Through thoughtful negotiation, expert legal advice, and meticulous attention to detail, we help clients preserve their financial security, safeguard their family relationships, and emerge from the divorce process stronger and more assured of their path forward.
VISIT THE PAGE for A Complex New York Divorce Lawyer
Click HERE for a consultation
It may feel like the fight is about the present — but in truth, asset division is about protecting your future. And the more complex the assets, the more critical and time-consuming this process becomes.
In New York, a state that follows the principle of equitable distribution, marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. This means the court aims to divide assets based on what is just and reasonable, taking into account a variety of factors — not simply splitting everything 50/50.
While this approach may sound flexible, it presents two significant challenges:
Factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions, and future financial needs all come into play. Navigating this process effectively requires a skilled attorney who understands how to protect your interests while working within the framework of equitable distribution. How thoroughly and strategically your attorney approaches this process can significantly impact your long-term financial well-being.
Protecting Your Financial Future
Complex divorce cases — especially those involving significant assets, real estate portfolios, investments, retirement accounts, family businesses, or hidden finances — require a highly skilled legal professional with a deep understanding of both family law and financial structures.
At MJD, attorney Elena Giannattasio offers just that. She brings:
Whenever possible, MJD seeks efficient, commonsense resolutions. But when compromise is not in your best interest, we are fully prepared to litigate with precision and resolve.Complex asset division isn’t just about fairness today — it’s about ensuring your security tomorrow. Let us help you protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.
VISIT THE PAGE for A Sophisticated Divorce Lawyer in New York
Click HERE for a consultation.
Divorce is never easy — and when it spans across countries, it becomes significantly more complex. International divorce raises challenging questions about jurisdiction, conflicting laws, enforceability of court orders, and the rights of each party in different legal systems. What may be routine in one country can become uncertain or unenforceable in another.
These cases often involve:
The consequences of getting it wrong — or moving too slowly — can be irreversible.
Skilled Guidance Where Borders Blur
Attorney Elena Giannattasio has deep experience guiding clients through the legal, procedural, and emotional complexities of international divorce. Whether you’re based in New York, California, or abroad, Elena provides strategic counsel rooted in U.S. family law and informed by a global perspective. She works closely with foreign legal professionals, financial experts, and courts to:
Representation That Crosses Borders
At MJD, we understand that international divorce isn’t just a legal matter — it’s a deeply personal turning point that affects your family, your future, and your freedom of movement. Elena provides focused, discreet, and highly customized legal solutions that protect your rights no matter where your life has taken you — or where it’s headed next.
VISIT THE PAGE for An International Divorce Lawyer in New York
Click HERE for a consultation.
International Prenuptial Agreement
There are jurisdictions that do not recognize an international Prenuptial Agreement as binding. Different jurisdictions have different rules on how to invalidate/restrict an International Prenuptial Agreement or uphold its validity. Attorney Elena believes that it is always prudent for international couples who plan to get married to consider entering into an International Prenuptial Agreement. The benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement are generally multiplied when the parties are from different countries or have assets overseas or are living overseas. A Prenuptial Agreement may drastically simplify a future divorce that might otherwise be inordinately complex or confusing. A Prenuptial Agreement that is valid in the place of the marriage, or the place of current residency, will not be equally valid in other places which might have divorce jurisdiction in the future. An International Prenuptial Agreement is an extremely complex contract, and it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced International Family Lawyer drafting it.
International Postnuptial Agreement
As part of her International Divorce Representation in New York, Attorney Elena highly recommends couples who contemplate divorce, to enter into an International Postnuptial Agreement. The advantages of entering into an International Postnuptial Agreement are many. For example, the couple could determine how a divorce will be handled, property divided, sometimes without the need to have a court define such issues.
VISIT THE PAGE for International Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreement
Click HERE for a consultation.
International Child Custody & Visitation Under the Hague Convention
When children are caught between countries, international custody and visitation matters can become emotionally and legally complex. Whether you’re trying to prevent an abduction, secure overseas visitation rights, or relocate with your child internationally, you need an attorney who understands the intricacies of both U.S. and international family law.
Attorney Elena Giannattasio represents clients in New York, California, and globally, with deep experience in international custody cases governed by the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Attorney Elena advises and represents parents seeking to:
International Child Relocation.
Relocating with a child to another country is a major legal step — and one that can be challenged in court if not handled correctly. As an experienced International Child Relocation Lawyer in New York and California, Elena helps custodial parents:
She has successfully drafted complex international custody agreements allowing for primary residence abroad while maintaining fair and enforceable parenting time.
VISIT THE PAGE for An International Child Custody Lawyer in New York
Click HERE for a consultation.
Hague Child Abduction Cases.
Under the Hague Convention, a parent may request the return of a child who has been wrongfully taken or retained in another country — without the other parent’s legal consent and in violation of custody rights.
These cases are time-sensitive and complex. To file a Hague application, the following must apply:
Attorney Elena provides urgent legal support in these matters, including:
Non-Hague Child Abduction Cases | Addressing International Parental Kidnapping Outside the Hague Framework
Not all international child abduction cases fall under the Hague Convention. In instances where one of the involved countries is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, the legal process becomes even more complex and requires a tailored approach. In non-Hague abduction cases, the left-behind parent may need to pursue legal action through local courts in both the child’s habitual residence and the country where the child has been taken. Attorney Elena Giannattasio has extensive experience navigating these challenging matters, using a combination of international family law, cross-border legal strategies, and diplomatic channels. Elena can help clients seeking to recover a child abducted to a non-Hague country or prevent international relocation, working diligently to secure the return of the child or to establish legal protections in jurisdictions without the support of the Hague framework.
VISIT THE PAGE for Building an International Child Abduction Prevention
Click HERE for a consultation.
UCCJEA: Multi-Jurisdictional Cases
The UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) is used to determine which state has authority over custody and visitation cases in multi-state disputes. Adopted by 49 states, including New York, it prevents parents from relocating to a state for a more favorable custody outcome.
Initial Custody Determination and “Home State”
For an initial custody determination, jurisdiction lies in the child’s home state, or the state where the child lived for at least six months before the proceedings began. If no state qualifies, jurisdiction will be in the state where the child and at least one parent have significant connections.
Example: Alec and Orly’s daughter, Nili, was born and lived in New York. If Alec moves to California, New York will maintain jurisdiction for custody if Orly files before Nili has been in California for six months.
In cases where a child has lived outside the U.S. for over six months, a foreign country can also be considered the home state.
Example: Nili, born in Israel, lived in New York for six years before moving back to Israel with Orly. After nine months in Israel, Orly files for custody there. Israeli courts will have jurisdiction as Nili has lived there for more than six months.
Jurisdictional Exceptions
New York may decline jurisdiction if another state is better suited to decide the case. Factors like the location of evidence, witnesses, and issues of domestic violence are considered. A state can also exercise temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child faces abandonment, abuse, or harm. Additionally, if one parent engages in unjustifiable conduct (e.g., removing the child without notice), the home state may refuse jurisdiction.
Example: If Orly took Nili to Israel without informing Alec, New York could decline jurisdiction under the “unjustifiable conduct” rule.
UCCJEA Modification Jurisdiction
Once a state has issued a custody order, it retains exclusive, continuing jurisdiction to modify it, unless the state no longer has a significant connection or both parents and the child no longer live there. A state may also decline jurisdiction if it determines it is an inconvenient forum or if the modification request arises from unjustifiable conduct.
International Considerations
If a child has lived outside the U.S. for more than six months, a foreign country can be considered the child’s home state under the UCCJEA.
Example: In the case of Nili, if she has lived in Israel for over six months, Israeli courts will have jurisdiction even though Alec may wish to file in New York.
Important Considerations
Jurisdictional matters can be time-sensitive and complex, especially when multiple states or foreign countries are involved. If you suspect the other parent might move with your child, it’s essential to consult an attorney immediately to avoid jurisdiction issues and prevent additional costs. For both initial custody and modification cases, working with an experienced family law attorney is crucial to ensure the correct jurisdiction handles your case.
VISIT THE PAGE for Inter-state Child Custody Lawyer
Click HERE for a consultation.
UIFSA & Interstate Child Support Enforcement
When parents live in different states, enforcing or modifying a child support order can quickly become complicated. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) provides a legal framework that allows courts to determine which state has authority to issue, enforce, or modify a child support order. Generally, the state that issued the original order retains exclusive, continuing jurisdiction—as long as one of the parents or the child continues to live there.
Example: Ari and Yael, who divorced in New York, where the court ordered Ari to pay monthly child support. A few years later, Yael relocates to Illinois with their daughter, and Ari moves to Florida. Because neither parent resides in New York anymore, UIFSA allows either Illinois or Florida to assume jurisdiction for a potential modification—depending on who files first and whether legal requirements are met.
Example: Tamar, who lives in California, needs to enforce a child support order originally issued in New Jersey against her ex-husband Eitan, who has moved to Arizona. Tamar can register the New Jersey order in California, where it can be enforced without relitigating the original case, thanks to UIFSA’s enforcement provisions.
Interstate child support issues are highly procedural and time sensitive. Whether you are seeking to enforce or modify a support order, it’s critical to work with an attorney experienced in UIFSA cases. Attorney Elena assists clients in New York, California, and across state lines to protect their financial rights—and their children’s futures.
VISIT THE PAGE for An Inter-state Child Support Lawyer in New York
Click HERE for a consultation.
A Smarter Solution — Especially in High-Net-Worth Cases
Uncontested divorce is often seen as the path for simple cases — but when handled correctly, it can be the most strategic option for high-net-worth individuals as well. If you and your spouse are in agreement on key issues such as property division, support, and parenting arrangements, an uncontested divorce offers a faster, more private, and cost-effective alternative to litigation — even when substantial assets and complex financial structures are involved. At MJD, Attorney Elena Giannattasio guides high-net-worth clients through the uncontested divorce process with discretion, precision, and deep experience in sophisticated financial matters.
Why Choose Uncontested Divorce for a High-Asset Case?
Even in marriages involving:
… an uncontested divorce may be the ideal route — if both parties are willing to cooperate and avoid courtroom conflict.
Benefits include:
VISIT THE PAGE for New York Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
Click HERE for a consultation.
Country By Country Information About Child Abduction and Divorce.
The Hague Convention was adopted by Israeli Knesset in 1991, to facilitates the return of minors wrongfully removed from their country of residence, allowing the courts of the country of origin to address custody matters. The Convention’s purpose is to
International Child Abduction and USA Expatriates Custody Disputes in the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The UAE does not have a
International Parental Child Abduction between the Philippines and the United States Despite the Philippines accession to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the United States has yet to accept it, which means that the Hague
Whether you’re considering relocating or already in the process of an international child custody case, you may have some basic questions…
Q How does relocating with minor children outside of the country generally work in New York?
Q What is the difference between a local child custody case and an international child custody case?
Q How does the Hague Convention protect me in a case of child abduction?
Q How does international child visitation work?
…and while we can’t offer legal advice or address specific individual situations, we’ve got some answers.
A New Phase with MJD
Ready to explore your legal options?
