HCCH Update (2021): Experts Group Meeting; International Transfer of Maintenance Funds

The Hague Conference on Private International Law engages in a lot of post-Convention work that benefits countries interested in or party to its treaties.  Part of its post-Convention work involves meetings of Experts Groups.  One such Experts Group on International Transfers of Maintenance Funds met for its second meeting from February 8-11, 2021.  Its meeting included a discussion on good practices and how to improve the cross-border transfer of child support payments, such as making it more cost-effective, transparent, and efficient.  The Experts Group summarized the outcome of its meeting and published it here. 

It is common that prior to meetings, the Hague Conference staff (its Permanent Bureau) produces a questionnaire for attendees.  This occurred prior to the February 2021 meeting. You can find that questionnaire and a summary of its responses here.  

The United States reported its plan to create a centralized international payment service with a goal of eventually eliminating the use of checks and lowering costs (such as currency conversions and transfer fees).  

The Hague Conference has tentative plans for its Special Commission meeting on the Hague Maintenance Convention for late 2021.  This meeting had originally been scheduled for Spring 2020, but was postponed due to COVID.  This Experts Group is planning an additional meeting prior to the Special Commission.