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.