Are You Worried About Child Abduction?
Child abduction is a distressing situation within any family, for parents and for children. Whether your child has been taken abroad or moved within the United Kingdom without your consent, you need to seek expert legal support immediately.
At Goodman Ray Solicitors, our specialist child abduction solicitors are here to help you take swift, effective action. We have extensive experience in dealing with child abduction to Hague Convention, and non-Hague Convention countries. Our team consists of some of the leading child abduction solicitors in this field of work.
If you are worried about child abduction then we are here to help – fast!
What is Child Abduction?
Child abduction occurs when a child is taken or kept away from their usual home without the consent of someone with parental responsibility or without the authority of a court order. This can take place either within the UK or across international borders and may amount to a criminal offence.
There are two main types of child abduction:
- International Child Abduction – This happens when a child is taken out of the UK or kept abroad without the consent of all those with parental responsibility. It commonly arises following a relationship breakdown, where one parent removes the child to another country without agreement. The UK is a signatory to the Hague Convention, which provides a legal mechanism for seeking the return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in other participating countries.
- Domestic Child Abduction – This involves one parent or individual taking a child to another part of the UK, or keeping the child in a different location, without the agreement of the other parent or those with legal responsibility. Even if the child is not taken abroad, removing them from their home or school without consent can still be considered abduction under UK law.
Both situations can be extremely distressing and may require urgent legal action to safeguard the child’s welfare.
International Child Abduction
International Child Abduction is when a child is unlawfully removed from their country of habitual residence or unlawfully retained in another country. Find out more about international child abduction here.
How Can Goodman Ray Solicitors Help With Child Abduction Matters?
Our experienced child abduction solicitors can:
- Act urgently to prevent a child from being removed.
- Help secure court orders to return a child who has already been taken.
- Work with international authorities under The Hague Convention.
- Support you in applying for a prohibited steps, or specific issue order, or any other injunctive remedy including seeking your child to be made a ward of court.
- Advise you on your rights if you’re concerned about a potential abduction.
We tailor our approach to the specific needs of your case, whether an urgent matter, or part of an ongoing children law matter.
Why Choose Goodman Ray?
- Recognised experts: Our team includes Law Society-accredited specialists in child abduction law.
- Rapid response: We understand that time is critical. We are ready to act fast.
- International reach: Extensive experience with cross-border abduction cases.
- Realistic advice: Compassionate but practical support during an emotionally charged time.
Child Abduction Solicitors in the UK: Our Approach
We are committed to providing our clients with the right approach and best solution to resolving their matters. Child Abduction is a complex area and our team includes solicitors who are specifically accredited and on panels to work in this area. 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.
Get in Touch With Our Child Abduction Solicitors
We understand that you may have a very urgent need for advice and can arrange to speak at short notice to discuss this. Contact Goodman Ray Solicitors on 020 7608 1227 or email us at mail@goodmanray.com.
Call us
☎️ Call our London office on 020 7608 1227
☎️ Call our Brighton office on 01273 090211
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re concerned that the other parent may take your child without your agreement, you should seek legal advice immediately. In some cases, it may be appropriate to explore non-court options, such as mediation. However, if there is a risk the other parent might act unilaterally, you may need to apply to the court urgently for a prohibited steps order or a return order. Acting quickly is crucial in these situations.
Child abduction occurs when a person takes or keeps a child under 16 years old away from someone with legal custody or parental responsibility without the appropriate consent. This can happen domestically or internationally, and it may be a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984.
If your child has been taken overseas without your consent, you should contact a solicitor immediately. The UK is a signatory to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, which allows for the legal return of children taken to certain countries. Your solicitor can help initiate proceedings to secure your child’s return.
If you share parental responsibility, you must obtain permission from the other parent or anyone else with parental responsibility before taking the child abroad. If you do not have consent, you must apply to the court for permission, or you may risk committing a criminal offence.
International child abduction occurs when a child is taken from the UK to another country, or kept abroad, without the permission of all those with parental responsibility or a court order. It is often addressed under the Hague Convention, which allows for the return of children unlawfully removed to or retained in certain member countries.
Domestic child abduction refers to a situation where a child is taken or kept within the UK without the consent of the other parent or anyone with parental responsibility. This could involve moving a child to another city or region without agreement and may be a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984.
The key difference lies in location. International child abduction involves the unlawful removal or retention of a child across international borders, whereas domestic child abduction takes place within the UK. Both can breach legal rights and require urgent legal action to protect the child’s welfare.
