When parties are divorced in a foreign country, a U.S. court may grant “comity” to the foreign court’s decision regarding child custody, visitation and other divorce matters.  That means that the U.S. court will follow all or part of the foreign court’s decision.  Whether or not the U.S. court does so will depend on the specific facts of the case. When one parent refuses to return the children to the parent overseas, the aggrieved parent may file a petition for return of the child under the Hague Convention, which set forth an international agreement between several countries, including the United States.   If you are involved an international custody dispute, it is obviously important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney.