International Custody Dispute proof

Assistance will only be available in cases where all other available resources have been exhausted and there is hardship. Cash asset limits for Special Needs Grants and any income will determine if there is hardship.

The client will need to supply one of the following:

• a letter from the courts advising of the court application and hearing date or
• a letter from their lawyer advising of the court date(s)

When a client has left New Zealand to resolve the international custody dispute you will need to ask if there is any assistance available in that country and for proof that the court proceedings are under the Hague convention.

Any documents that require translation can be directed to the Department of Internal Affairs at the client's expense.

If the client is an overseas resident and they have completed the overseas residents section of the application form, the details will need to be entered on to the CMS client record.

If Specialised Processing Services advise you there is entitlement to an overseas pension a debt will need to be established.