USA – ARKANSAS Trends and Developments Contributed by: Aaron Bundy and Grace Ann Green, Bundy
party initiates proceedings in a foreign country that applies less favourable law. Forum shopping is a reality in multi-jurisdictional fam ‑ ily law, though ethical boundaries must be observed. When a party has connections to multiple states or countries, counsel must evaluate which forum offers the most favourable law and the most practical enforcement mechanisms. This analysis extends to questions of which state’s law will apply to property division, whether a foreign prenuptial agreement will be enforced, and how a custody order will be recog ‑ nised and enforced if one party relocates abroad.
Arkansas family law practice, particularly in the Northwest region, has become a multi-jurisdictional endeavour. Practitioners must navigate not only the statutory and case law of Arkansas, but also the family law frameworks of neighbouring states and, increas ‑ ingly, the legal regimes of foreign countries. The convergence of interstate employment, international business interests and mobile family structures means that jurisdictional analysis is no longer an occasion ‑ al issue but a regular component of case strategy. Understanding the interplay of the UCCJEA, the Uni ‑ form Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), the Hague Convention and principles of international comity is necessary for effective representation in this evolving landscape.
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