Willmer

I.

INTRODUCTION

Oliver Willmer (Oliver) appeals from an order confirming registration of a German judgment for child and spousal support. He argues that there is no reciprocity between Germany and the United States regarding child and spousal support orders, that principles of comity do not apply, and that the German judgment is invalid because it was fraudulently obtained and the German court lacked jurisdiction over him. We affirm.

II.

PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND

Oliver and Katina Willmer (Katina) were both born in Germany. In 1990, they lived in Canada and were involved in a relationship. They moved to Germany in December 1990, but were married in Canada in August 1991. The couple’s child was bom in Germany in January 1992.

The relationship ended in October 1993, while the couple lived in Germany. Oliver indicated in his declaration that both parties were represented by German legal counsel “[i]n the ensuing days” after Katina moved out of the couple’s home on October 25, 1993, and “all correspondence was exchanged via this route.” During November and December 1993, Oliver sought the assistance of the German child services agency to establish visitation…