Child Abduction Solicitors

Child Abduction Solicitors 

For a brighter future

Child abduction is an incredibly stressful and terrifying experience for any parent. It's a serious matter that needs immediate, expert attention. No parent should have to go through this alone.

At Switalskis, we've got a specialised team that deals solely with child abduction cases. Your child is the most important person to you, and we understand that time is of the essence. With us you won't just be dealing with paperwork and court orders; you'll be dealing with real people who genuinely want to help. We'll explain every step clearly, keep you updated regularly, and make sure we're doing everything we can to bring your child home.

Give us a call straight away on 0800 138 0458 , or drop us a message through our website. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can help make things right.

Contact us today and let's start your journey together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

How Switalskis can help

Having to cope with a child abduction case can feel like you're lost and can’t find the best way to resolve matters. That's why Switalskis is here. We're more than just expert solicitors; we're caring people who understand the emotional rollercoaster you're on.

Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. We'll help you understand your rights, the rights of the children caught up in this situation and the legal options open to you. Because each abduction case is different, we focus on providing advice that's tailored just for you, answering all your questions and addressing your specific needs.

Worried about the costs? There's no need to be. We're upfront about what our services will cost, so you won't face any unexpected bills down the line. Legal Aid may be available for some people.

And for added peace of mind, many of our solicitors are accredited members of Resolution, an esteemed organisation of specialist family lawyers. Membership of this group assures you that the advice and support you receive will be first-rate, current and thoroughly professional. We're experienced in all the complexities related to child abduction cases, so you can trust us to provide you with the expert advice and support you need.

What is child abduction?

Child abduction is an urgent and stressful situation where someone takes a child away in breach of another person’s rights of custody. It's different from 'kidnapping' because the person who takes the child will have some relationship with them, like a parent or other relative. Sometimes this happens when parents are separated or divorced, and one parent decides to take the child without the other parent's approval. But it's not just parents as sometimes other family members can be involved.

We can represent parents who have had their child or children removed unilaterally by another person, or someone alleged to have been an abductor of a child or children.

The reasons behind child abduction can vary a lot. Sometimes it's about custody disputes or it might even happen because a family member thinks they're protecting the child. But no matter what the reason, the law sees it as a serious issue. Not only can it be a breach of the law relating to children that may have far-reaching effects but it can be upsetting and emotionally damaging for the child and can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and other family relationships.

This situation becomes even more complicated when it happens across international borders. Different countries have their own laws about children and abduction, making it more complex and difficult to resolve. International laws may come into play, and you'll often hear the term 'Hague Convention', which is an agreement many countries have made on how they will approach child abduction cases. This helps to resolve child abduction matters more effectively.

What we do to help you 

No one should go through the ordeal of child abduction alone. We're with you, step-by-step, to make sure you get the best help possible.

Step 1: Initial chat

When you first get in touch with us, we'll meet you to understand the circumstances and ask you some questions to find out the facts of your situation. That way, we can start mapping out a plan tailored just for you.

Step 2: Acting fast

We know how vital speed is in these kinds of cases. So, once we understand the situation, we'll help you figure out the immediate steps that can be taken to get your child back. From emergency injunctions to alerting the authorities, we've got your back.

Step 3: Dealing with paperwork

Legal documents can be complicated, but they're vital. Whether it's court orders or paperwork to liaise with international bodies, we'll get it sorted for you. We aim to make the child's return as quick and as straightforward as possible.

Step 4: Teamwork with authorities

Child abduction often goes beyond borders. So, we team up with both local and overseas law enforcement agencies to track down and bring back your child safely. This collaboration is vital, and we know the ropes.

Step 5: In court

If things end up going to court, you won't be alone. We'll be there, fighting your corner, making sure your voice and your child's best interests are front and centre. Going to court can be daunting, but we’ll make the process less scary.

What immediate actions should I take if my child has been abducted or I am being accused of having removed my child unlawfully?

If the child has been removed, the very first thing you should do is report the abduction to the police for their immediate action. Once the report is filed, a missing person case is opened, and law enforcement can start their search. The more details you can provide, the better - photos, a list of potential locations, names of those involved, and so on.

Then get in touch with a solicitor specialising in child abduction cases. Depending on the situation, urgent court orders can be applied for, for example, a recovery order that instructs the police to find and return your child. The sooner you act, the sooner we can get started.

How quickly can the legal process start to recover my child?

Once you've engaged us, we will start the legal processes immediately. This often involves seeking emergency court orders aimed at having your child returned as quickly as possible.

Court orders can usually be obtained on an urgent basis, sometimes even on the same day, depending on the court's availability and the specifics of your case. These orders may then be carried out by the police and other relevant authorities, both within the UK and internationally if applicable.

Remember, in legal matters involving child abduction, speed is vital. That's why we're geared to act fast, providing you with the urgent legal support you need.

What happens if my child has been taken abroad?

When a child has been taken abroad, the complexity increases, but don't lose hope. First off, you need to know whether the country where your child has been taken is a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention. This is an international treaty aimed at making sure the prompt return of abducted children to the country where they live. 

If the country is a Hague Convention member, we can guide you through the necessary paperwork and steps to get the process started promptly. This often involves liaising with the Central Authority in both the UK and the foreign jurisdiction to facilitate the safe and expedited return of your child. The Central Authority is essentially the main point of contact for Hague Convention cases, and they'll be involved in any legal proceedings in the foreign country.

Should the country not be a signatory to the Hague Convention, the process can be more laborious and tricky. In such cases, it might involve initiating legal procedures in that country under its specific family law provisions. We'd work closely with lawyers in the foreign jurisdiction to better understand the legal environment and devise a strategy for your child's return.

Either way, we work with international authorities, legal experts and social services to cover all bases. This might also include getting Interpol alerts and working with local police abroad to locate your child as quickly as possible.

The goal, as always, is the safe and swift return of your child. It's a complex, stressful situation that demands immediate, skilled legal intervention, but we are here to help you.

If you have removed your child and been served with court papers, we can advise you and guide you through the paperwork, steps to take and court proceedings.

Contact us today and let's start your journey together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our Family Law Solicitors

Clare PeckettDirector and Solicitor
photo of Allan Layfield
Allan LayfieldDirector and Solicitor
photo of Toby Netting
Toby NettingDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Chris Preston
Chris PrestonConsultant Solicitor
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Why Switalskis?

Choosing a solicitor for child abduction is an important and often nerve-wracking choice. That's why we aim to be more than just your legal experts; we're your steady partners in an incredibly tough time. Here's why you should consider us for your child abduction case:

Clarity in complexity

The law can be full of hard-to-understand terms, but we make it simple for you. We walk you through each step of your child abduction case, from the first conversation to the conclusion of your case. Our lawyers give you advice that's easy to get, helping you know what to do next.

Empathy at every step

Dealing with child abduction is an emotionally heavy matter. Our way of working is caring, private and full of understanding. We offer a kind listening ear, thinking about not just the legal stuff but also the emotional weight on you and your family.

Expertise you can trust

When it comes to child abduction cases, know-how matters a lot. Our skilled team has a strong record of getting children safely back where they belong. Many of our solicitors are part of top legal groups to show they're experts in this area.

Championing your rights

Getting your child back safe and sound is our main goal. We speak up for you, whether that means sorting things out without going to court or standing up for you in one. We aim to get the best results, including any legal orders that help get your child back.

The types of family law

Family law issues can vary in complexity and emotional toll, each having its own set of rules, challenges and things to think about. At Switalskis, we have the know-how to help you navigate a wide spectrum of family law matters. To give you an idea, here's a rundown of the different types of family law issues we can assist you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

Don't go through this awful time by yourself; let Switalskis guide you. With a mix of caring, solid know-how, and a history of standing up for our clients, we're the child abduction solicitors you can rely on. From the first advice to the legal steps for getting your child back, we're with you at every turn. For a private chat, give us a call on 0800 1380 458 or contact us through our website for the quick, caring help you need.

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