Actress Sophie Turner has made an application to a court in New York for the return of her two children to the UK.
Read moreChild Abduction
Our team boasts some of the very few accredited international child abduction specialists outside of London.
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Child abduction is the unlawful removal or retention of a child (under 16 years old) from the jurisdiction in which they normally reside without the permission of everyone with parental responsibility or an order of the court — even if just for a short holiday. Child abduction is a criminal offence.
There are many practical and legal steps that can be taken to try and prevent a child being removed from the UK as well as court orders that can be obtained. Applications are often urgent and sometimes without notice to the other party. It can be very important to obtain court orders to secure a child’s place in the jurisdiction and prevent further difficulties or the need for proceedings in another country.
Child abduction differs from child relocation, where a child is moved to another part of the UK (defined as England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland).
Abduction cases can be incredibly frightening and confusing. Our expert family law team is recognised by The Times Best Law Firms and has some of the very few accredited specialists in the area of child abduction outside of London. We're available to support and advise you in these difficult situations. Whether you think your child is at risk, you need to get your child back after they have been taken or you’ve been accused of child abduction, we can help and guide you on the best course of action.
Talk to us by giving us a call on 0333 004 4488, sending us an email at hello@brabners.com or completing our contact form below.
Specialist child abduction legal advice, whenever you need it
It’s essential that expert advice is sought at the earliest opportunity where there has been — or where there is potential for there to be — child abduction, because important tactical decisions and procedural steps often need to be taken.
If your child is abducted, it's important to take legal action quickly to avoid any potential difficulties in proceedings or delay the child being returned.
Similarly, if you have brought a child to the jurisdiction and are served with court papers in relation to abduction, it’s important to engage in those proceedings and obtain specialist advice urgently to ensure that your case is approached appropriately.
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How the courts proceed with child abduction cases
The approach that will be taken by the court will depend on the country that the child has been taken to or retained in.
In most cases, there will be proceedings in that country to return a child back to the jurisdiction that they usually reside in. In some circumstances, it may be appropriate for proceedings to be brought in the UK if a child has been taken to another jurisdiction.
International child abduction FAQs
Expert insights about child abduction
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