International Child Abduction

International child abduction is dealt with mainly under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a treaty to which Australia and many other countries are parties. It provides a process for the prompt return of children wrongfully removed from, or kept outside, their country of habitual residence.

If your child has been taken overseas

Where a child has been wrongfully taken to or kept in a Convention country, an application can be made for their return. We help you work with the relevant authorities and progress your application as quickly as possible.

If you are responding to a return application

If you are accused of wrongfully removing or retaining a child, there are only limited grounds to oppose a return. We advise you carefully and represent your interests thoroughly.

A few points shape how these matters proceed:

• Habitual residence: the Convention focuses on returning a child to their country of habitual residence so that parenting arrangements can be decided there.
• Limited exceptions: a return may be refused only in specific situations, such as a grave risk of harm, which must be carefully established.
• Urgency: these matters move fast, so getting advice immediately is critical to protecting your child.