In a case where a child has been abducted urgent action and information is often required from several sources, to assist clients in locating their child and securing their return. We are experienced in liaising with schools, embassies, the police and social services in locating and recovering abducted children.
We assist clients in obtaining court orders that require HMRC, banks and other financial institutions to release information to us to assist you in locating your child.
If your child has been removed from their country of residence without your consent or a court order (an unlawful removal) or they have not been returned to your care after travelling abroad (an unlawful retention) this is likely to be an international child abduction.
These scenarios are covered by the 1980 Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (also known as the 1980 Child Abduction Convention) and steps can be taken to locate and bring your child home. These are complicated issues and you will benefit from the assistance of a specialist child abduction lawyer.
If your child lives in England or Wales it is also a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984 if “a person connected with a child under the age of sixteen […] takes or sends the child out of the United Kingdom without the appropriate consent”.
Our team of experts can also obtain court orders requiring the Home Office and telephone companies to release information and which secure the attendance of named parties who may know where the child is, to attend before the court and give evidence on oath about what they know of the child and abductor’s whereabouts.
If you require further information on Child Abduction contact our team of specialists on 01245 895105 or send your enquiry to enquiries@manderslaw.com.
