Advising On International Children’s Issues
IMD Solicitors can help with a whole variety of children matters in the UK including:
- Arrangements as to where your child/children should live, including relocation abroad
- Contact arrangements – for the parent who does not live with the child/children
- Parental responsibility issues
- Permission/Consent for issuing a passport for a child
- Temporary/Permanent removal of child/children from the UK
- International Child Abduction
Contact our UK International Children and Contact Disputes Lawyers
Our experienced international children and contact dispute lawyers in London, Manchester and Birmingham are ready to help you make legal arrangements for your children. Speak to a member of our specialist international family team today on 0330 107 0107.
Child living and contact arrangements
When a relationship ends, concerns for your children’s welfare will no doubt be your priority. The international children lawyers at IMD Solicitors can advise on all options available to parents to ensure any issues as to where your children should live or contact issues are resolved.
The first step ideally would be for parents to amicably discuss the needs of their children and come to a mutual agreement that has their children’s best interests at heart. This can be done either with each other or via the help of a third party mediator.
Unfortunately, though this isn’t always possible as usually emotions are running high and Court proceedings may have to be considered. This should be the last resort however and the welfare of the children should remain paramount at all times.
Many of our cases involve complex Children Act proceedings where one party has raised allegations of domestic abuse against another party. These can be lengthy proceedings and in some circumstances a fact-finding hearing might be required so that the court determines the truth of any allegations raised.
International Divorce and Financial Settlement
If you are currently considering a divorce or received a divorce petition from your spouse and want to find out more about how we can advise and support you, click here to visit our international divorce web page to find out more.
If you need expert advice about the division of matrimonial assets and financial settlement proceedings, particularly if you have assets located outside of the UK, click here to visit our financial issues and settlements web page to find out more.
Temporary/Permanent Removal Of Children From The UK
We also deal with cases that involve temporary or permanent removal of a child from the UK jurisdiction. This might be in cases where a parent wants to take their child back to their home country but the other parent might not be in agreement, so a court application might become necessary. This is a sensitive and often difficult decision to make but we can discuss all options available to you, whether you are the parent that wishes to take the child to another country or the parent that is opposed to this.
International Child Abduction
International child abduction refers to the wrongful removal or retention of a child from their habitual residence without the consent of the custodial parent or in violation of their rights of custody. In the United Kingdom, international child abduction is governed by the provisions of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, along with domestic legislation such as the Child Abduction Act 1984.
The Hague Convention, to which the UK is a signatory, aims to protect children from the harmful effects of abduction and to ensure the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence. It provides a framework for cooperation between countries involved in cases of international child abduction.
Under UK law, if a child is wrongfully removed from or retained outside of the UK in breach of the custody rights of a parent, the left-behind parent can seek the child’s return through the Hague Convention. The Convention establishes a central authority in each signatory country to handle cases of child abduction and facilitate communication and cooperation between central authorities in different countries.
To initiate the return of an abducted child, the left-behind parent must make an application to the UK central authority, which will then communicate with the central authority of the country where the child is located. The central authorities work together to locate the child, secure their return, and resolve any legal issues related to custody and access.
The Hague Convention generally prioritizes the prompt return of the child to their country of habitual residence, as this is considered in the child’s best interests. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as concerns over the child’s safety or the existence of grave risks that could expose the child to physical or psychological harm if they were returned.
If a child has been wrongfully removed to or retained in a country that is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, different legal procedures and mechanisms may come into play. The left-behind parent will need to consult with legal professionals who specialize in international family law to explore available options and strategies for the return of the child.
It is essential to seek legal advice promptly if you believe your child has been wrongfully abducted or retained internationally. Our experienced family lawyers can guide you through the complex legal process, international laws, advocate for your rights, and work towards the safe return of your child.
Please note that this is a general overview of international child abduction law in the context of UK law. The specific details and procedures may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. It is crucial to consult with qualified legal professionals for specialist legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
Want to know more?
Read some of our articles below:
- Why Early Legal Support is Key in Child Contact Over Holidays
- Child Custody and Child Maintenance in Family Law
- Cross-Border Care Proceedings: Legal Considerations for Local Authorities
- A Father’s Battle for Contact with Autistic Son in a Cross-Border Custody Case
- Family Law Across Borders: A Case of Protection and Perseverance
- Strategies for Child Relocation and Enforcing Court Orders Abroad
- Cross-Border Child Arrangement Agreements: A Case Study on Enforcement and Legal Strategy
- International Child Relocation A Legal Examination
- International Child Custody Case: A Comprehensive Legal Approach
- Can a parent legally abduct their own child?
- Clarity is key to ensuring a Joyous Festive Period
To talk to a compassionate member of our specialist family law team, call us on 0330 107 0107 or ask for a free call back today.
Contact Our Family & Children Top Rated UK Solicitors at our offices in London, Manchester and Birmingham
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