International Child Abduction Prevention

In children disputes, where a child has been abducted, or is believed to be at risk of abduction or is believed to have been taken abroad, specialist advice should be obtained immediately by family parents, family members and guardians.

Essential information and identification documentation to be supplied to your solicitor

1. Child - name and address, and history of child’s previous homes and details of where child may be taken if abducted, including mobile and landline numbers – provide photographs and birth certificate.
2. Parent, family member or guardian from whom child has been taken - Confirmation of connection to abductor and parental responsibility – provide Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership registration document; Parental Responsibility Order.
3. Parent who has removed child - description and address of the abductor; and his or her close relatives; and bank account details – provide photographs.
4. Threat – explanation of circumstances in which threats to abduct made – provide airline tickets and flight times if a flight is imminent.
5. Court orders – provide copies of any that exist in relation to the child already either in the UK or abroad. If abroad, details of any foreign lawyers involved.
6. Passports – provide details of those that exist for the child and adults involved and where they are kept

Emergency legal remedies

1. Prohibited Steps Order - to prevent the abduction or removal of child from home of parent, family member or guardian with whom the child lives; or to restrain the issue of passports;
2. Specific Issue Order - requiring the surrender of a passport; or that removal can only take place if parent, family member or guardian consents
3. Interim Residence Order - to award custody of the child or care and control to the parent, family member or guardian with whom the child lives
4. Wardship Order - to place custody of the child or care and control in the court so that no steps are taken without the court’s permission. This may also record that the child’s removal is contrary to the wishes of the court

Reunite (http://www.reunite.org)

The leading UK charity specialising in international child abduction provides advice, information and support.