Blog
Moving abroad or returning home with children and the risks of child abduction during the coronavirus crisis
Will MacFarlane
Families with connections to more than one country face additional problems in the unfortunate event of a relationship break down. The natural and understandable reaction at such a difficult time is often to want to return home to the country of origin with the children.
However, if this happens 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 and advice before any move is made is essential. Different countries have different laws, but many have signed up to the Hague Convention and European law is regulating increasingly the movement of children between EU countries.
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 be about to take place then speed is of the essence to try to prevent the child's removal.
Our team of family lawyers act for parents whose children have been abducted and for parents who have removed their children without the necessary consent.
"Professional yet sympathetic manner and the team always fights hard to defend your interests"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
WHAT IS SAID ABOUT US
"It's a team that has a great breadth of experience across the board and particularly in international cases."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"I always think of them as having a Rolls-Royce service but they are particularly good when there's a European element to the case."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"Very strong litigation practice, with some of the best up-and-coming stars of tomorrow"
Legal 500 UK
"A standout firm"
Legal 500 UK
"Professional yet sympathetic manner and the team always fights hard to defend your interests"
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
If you require further information or advice from our team of specialist family lawyers, please contact a member of our team, email us or call us on +44 (0)20 7814 1200. Alternatively you can submit a brief online enquiry here.
Please note that we do not offer legal assistance pursuant to public funding (formerly known as Legal Aid).
Connie Atkinson
Partner
Abby Buckland
Partner
Lauren Evans
Partner
Jane Keir
Partner
Will MacFarlane (Français)
Partner
Will MacFarlane
Partner
Stacey Nevin
Partner
Alexandra Bishop
Legal Director
Claire Wood (Français)
Legal Director
Claire Wood
Legal Director
Charlotte Bradley (Français)
Senior Consultant
Charlotte Bradley
Senior Consultant
Hannah Butcher
Senior Associate
Colleen Hall (Français)
Senior Associate
Colleen Hall
Senior Associate
Mia Harrison
Senior Associate
Cate Maguire
Senior Associate
Hannah Muress
Senior Practice Development Lawyer
Olivia Stiles
Senior Associate
Rachel Cooper
Associate
Lydia Holland
Associate
Liam Hurren
Associate
Eleanor Mills
Associate
Lisa Robertson
Associate
Nevin Rosenberg (Français)
Associate
Nevin Rosenberg
Associate
Stavriana Alexandrou
Senior Paralegal
Charlotte Daintith
Trainee Solicitor
Eimear Sloan
Paralegal
