When a country has more than one system of laws applicable to its citizens, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction will recognize that the laws of the state governs in matters of child custody. Lawyers who practice in the international child custody arena must be aware of the various cultural and legal systems that apply throughout the world.

Article 32

In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of law applicable to different categories of persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State.