"Cross-border family disputes demand more than technical knowledge—they require judgment shaped by experience, cultural awareness, and an unwavering focus on what is truly at stake. Throughout my career, I have worked to protect families and children where legal systems intersect and the consequences of error are lasting. I am driven by a commitment to deliver precise, enforceable solutions in matters involving international divorce, child custody, and abduction, particularly where jurisdictional conflict and urgency define the case. My role is to navigate complexity with discipline and foresight, ensuring that parental rights are protected and that the best interests of the child remain central. For me, effective representation means combining rigorous legal strategy with constant availability, clear communication, and close coordination across borders—so clients are never left navigating critical moments alone."
Francesco Mazzei
Of Counsel
Francesco Mazzei is an Italian family lawyer with extensive experience in complex domestic and cross-border family law matters. His practice focuses on international divorce, child custody, and international child abduction cases, with particular emphasis on jurisdictional disputes, enforcement of foreign judgments, and matters governed by European and international law, including the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Admitted to the Italian Bar in 1992 and to practice before the Supreme Court of Cassation in 2008, Francesco is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Federico II University of Naples and holds a Summa Cum Laude degree in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He regularly appears before Ordinary Courts, Juvenile Courts, Courts of Appeal, ecclesiastical tribunals, and the Supreme Court of Cassation, including in matters involving minors.
A significant portion of Francesco’s work involves advising foreign clients and coordinating with international counsel on cross-border custody disputes, child abduction proceedings, and the recognition and enforcement of foreign separations and divorces. He also provides legal opinions on Italian law in connection with proceedings pending before foreign courts.
As Of Counsel to Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, PLLC, Francesco brings essential Italy- and EU-based expertise, strengthening the firm’s ability to deliver precise, enforceable outcomes in complex international family law matters.
A NEW PHASE
A Free Quarterly Seminar on Navigating International Child Custody and Relocation
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
Reserve your spot the fourth Sunday of each quarter at noon EST on zoom.
Ready to explore your legal options?