What is International Child Abduction?
International Child Abduction is when a child is unlawfully removed from their country or unlawfully retained in another country. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) is the legal framework which seeks to protect children from the harmful effects of wrongful removal and retention. There are 80 nations which have joined the Hague Convention, in which the specific rules will apply.
Our approach
We are committed to providing our clients with the right approach and best solution to resolving their matters. Our highly skilled and experienced team can deliver a realistic and fair perspective. Our team has worked extensively on providing individuals with advice surrounding child abduction in the UK and abroad.
Contacting Us
Please get in touch using whatever method is easiest for you. You can use the form on our website, you can email us at mail@goodmanray.com or email the solicitor or mediator you would like to work with here directly using the email address on their profile. Alternatively, feel free to ring us on 020 7608 1227 and you will be able to speak with someone who can discuss how we can assist you.
FAQs
You should immediately seek legal advice. If the country is a known country under the 1980 Hague Convention Act, an application should be made to the ‘International Child Abduction and Custody Unit’ (ICACU). If the destination country is outside of the Hague Convention, you should speak to us so that we can discuss whether we should consider making an application to the High Court to seek the return of the child or children.
Legal Aid funding is available to any parent whose child has been brought to England and Wales from a country that is a member of the Hague Convention. Once we understand your circumstances, we will be able to assist you further on what is right for you.
You should seek immediate legal advice. Unless you have been made aware of a valid reason as to why the child is delayed in returning, you should not wait and you should seek urgent advice on whether legal steps are necessary to secure their return.
It is a criminal offence to wrongfully remove a child from their jurisdiction. A penalty of imprisonment is attached to this offence.
If you have been informed by another party that they are planning on removing your child or you have evidence that your child will be removed from this country without your permission , you must seek urgent legal advice to prevent this from occurring. It is possible to obtain an order which prohibits the issue of passports. In appropriate cases we can also seek a port alert which will alert the police and all UK ports that a potential child abduction is likely to take place.
