International Child Abduction

Where a parent removes a child from the country where they normally live (or retains the child in a different country) without the consent of the other parent, this is known as International Child Abduction.

We are able to assist the parent who has not consented to removal of the child from the country with an application to court for the return of their child.

Legal protection is available in the form of a Convention known as the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980). The Convention is a treaty which provides a procedure to facilitate the prompt return of abducted children. The states which are party to the Convention have agreed that a child who is habitually resident in one party state and who has been either removed to or retained in another party state, in breach of a person’s rights of custody/residence, should be swiftly returned to the country of habitual residence.

Q: Which countries have signed the Hague Convention?

A: There are over 60 countries which have signed the Convention, including many European countries, the U.S.A and Australia.

Q: My ex-husband took our children abroad on holiday, with my consent. However, he has not returned them on the date he was supposed to. What should I do?

A: You must take immediate advice in order to progress matters. We understand the need for focused action in these types of situations to facilitate the prompt return of your child.