Cross-Border Family Law

Child Custody

Parental power decided on the child’s welfare — with realistic advice about what a Thai court is likely to order.

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Tell us the situation and we will tell you what we think you should do — and what it will cost.

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Separating parents, married or not
Foreign parents concerned about access
Parents facing a proposed relocation abroad
Grandparents or relatives caring for a child

Sole and joint parental power applications

Custody agreements recorded by the court

Interim and urgent orders

Relocation and travel consent disputes

Variation of existing orders

Enforcement where an order is ignored

Consultation on status, evidence and likely outcome
Attempt at an agreed parenting arrangement
Petition filed if agreement is not possible
Court welfare enquiries and mediation
Hearing and order
Enforcement or later variation

Documents to prepare

Child’s birth certificate and household registration
Marriage, divorce or legitimation records
Evidence of care, schooling and living arrangements
Financial records for both parents
Any existing orders or agreements

For a child born outside marriage, the mother generally holds parental power initially. That is a starting point, not a final answer — a father who legitimates can apply.

The court can take an older child’s wishes into account, weighted against age and maturity.

Joint arrangements are possible, and are more likely to be workable where the parents can present an agreed plan.

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Can a foreign father obtain custody in Thailand?

Being named on the birth certificate is not the same as being the legal father. What an unmarried foreign father has to establish first, and what follows.

Cross-Border Family Law 2026-XX-XX6 min read