I live in Russia and my wife lives in New York with our children. We both filed for a divorce. How can I make sure that our divorce action will remain in Russia?
The answer to this question depends upon who filed for a divorce first. If the divorce was first filed in Russia, you will argue that the Russian action has priority and that court should decide on all matrimonial matters. The Court in Russia may bifurcate your divorce and decide the divorce in Russia and finances in New York. Since your children are in New York, the Court in Russia cannot make decisions about custody of the children or their support.