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Parental Child Abduction Solicitors

Hague Convention Child Abduction Information

As knowledgeable parental child abduction solicitors, the Howells family law experts can provide Hague Convention child abduction information and guidance to support you through this very difficult and worrying period in your life.

The Hague Convention on child abduction is a fundamental and international law. Unlike the vast majority of other laws regarding custody, this convention does not necessarily have the child’s best interests at heart. Instead, this law regulates which nation has the right to decide where the child should live. In the majority of cases, this country is the country in which the child usually resides. This is not a law designed to protect children and assist families, instead it is designed to demarcate national borders and designate legal responsibility between nations.

If your family has been affected by parental child abduction, the Hague Convention can cause serious issues. In such cases the assistance of an experienced child abduction solicitor is indispensable. At Howells we offer expert support and guidance and will fight to help you win custody of your child or children.

What is Considered Child Abduction?

All of the following circumstances are considered to be child abduction and may be subject to the Hague Convention.
  • If a child is wrongfully removed from their usual country of residence
  • If a child is wrongfully kept in another country (for example after a holiday or after parental contact time has expired). This is known as wrongful retention
  • If a child has been retained even though it breaches another persons’ rights of custody

How can Howells Help?

If you believe your child is in danger of abduction or has already been taken abroad, contact a specialist solicitors immediately. It is extremely important to act quickly. In England and Wales, cases of this nature must be handled through the Central Authority – in this case the Family Division of the High Court.

At Howells Solicitors our expert team understand the processes involved in these extremely testing and upsetting situations, and will fight to ensure your child is returned to their rightful place. With legal aid available in the vast majority of situations and legal routes which can prevent abduction in the first instance, accessing assistance at the earliest opportunity is essential.

To learn more and to start fighting, contact our 02920 867111, email: info@howellslegal.com or submit an online enquiry form today.


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