How can the Hague Convention help me?

A parent can apply to the Central Authority where the child is usually resident or to the Central Authority of any other contracting state for assistance in securing the child's return. The Central Authority of the country where the child is shall take all appropriate steps to obtain the voluntary return of the child. If this is not possible, court proceedings can be bought.

If a claim of wrongful removal or retention is made within the first 12 months, the contracting state where the child is will usually return the child to his or her original country so that the court in that country can decide what should happen in the child's future. After the 12 month period, it is more difficult for the child to be returned as the child may be settled in his or her new environment.

Click here to download your free leaflet on ABDUCTION