Shaikh v. Lakhani

146 Daily Wash. L. Rptr. 1349 (District of Columbia 2017)

Facts

H and W were married in Pakistan in 2000. They have three children. W is an American citizen and H is a citizen of Pakistan. The minor children are all citizens of the U.S. The parties lived in various locations in the Middle East until 2014 when they moved to Karachi. The violence started in 2015 the couple separated. The children resided with W and visited H. The families of each became involved and things did not improve. Both families took measure to protect W and W left Pakistan for the U.S. H eventually contacted MPD as he wanted to visit the children and make sure they were safe. MPD did a safety check and assured H they were ok. H learned where they were and sent numerous emails and kept calling W. W petitioned the court for a protective order and it was granted. The CPO granted W temporary sole custody of the children for one year. Eventually, H apologized for his conduct. The CPO was extended for another year. On July 27, 2016, after 14 months of residence, W filed for a divorce. W sought sole custody, child support, an equitable division of marital assets, spousal support, and attorney’s fees. H filed his motion to dismiss.