Divorce and Family Breakdown

Child Abduction

Families with connections to more than one country face unique problems in the unfortunate event that the relationship breaks down.  The human reaction in this already difficult time is to return to one's family and country of origin with the children.  If this is done without the approval of the other parent or permission from a court, a parent (whether inadvertently or not) may be committing the criminal offence of child abduction.

If, contrary to an agreement or a court order, your children have been removed from their home, you should seek urgent legal advice.  Likewise, if you have taken the children from their home you need immediate advice about your legal position.

If you fear that an abduction may take place, speed is of the essence to try to prevent the children's removal.

We act for parents whose children have been abducted and for parents who have removed their children without the necessary consent.  We are one of a small number of firms instructed by the Department of Constitutional Affairs to represent parents whose children have been abducted to England.