Child Abduction Solicitors

This is an international agreement between countries to return children swiftly where they have been abducted from their home country.  The UK has signed this agreement.  This is to deter children being abducted.

This can fall into two categories.  First to prevent a child being abducted you could make an application for a Prohibited Steps Order.  This is an Order that can stop a parent from taking a child from your care and also out of the UK.

Secondly if a child has been abducted then proceedings could be brought under the Hague Convention.  These require specialist legal advice and are normally dealt with by the High Court. The proceedings are usually quick as they are designed to consider whether a child should be returned to the country from which they have been taken. As a starting point, it is set out that a child should be returned. However, defences and arguments against this are available to the proceedings. We would be happy to provide you with advice about this.

• You have been served with papers from the High Court or referring to the Hague Convention or;
• You are concerned that your child is at risk of abduction. There are applications that can be brought before the Court urgently in these circumstances

We will act quickly and can offer emergency meetings. Given the speed and complexity of proceedings, it is important that you contact us urgently.

We are one of only a few firms within Central England listed with Reunite International.

Legal Aid is available for this type of work and we are able to see and assist you in making an application for legal aid. That is subject to a means test (where we have to consider your income and certain outgoings that you may have) and a merits test (where we have to consider the likelihood of whether you will be successful).

Given the speed of the proceedings, we are able to offer emergency legal aid funding for these proceedings. Again, please do contact us and we will be able to discuss this with you further.

If you do not qualify for legal aid funding then we will provide you with a clear estimate of costs from the outset.

You must get permission from those with parental responsibility before taking your child abroad or have permission from the Court.  You can take a child out of the UK for 28 days if you have a Child Arrangements Order saying that the child lives with you, unless an Order says that you cannot.

It would be best to get this permission in writing as you may be asked about this when leaving the UK.