The Hague Convention

The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction is an agreement that many countries have entered into. It covers most of Europe and North America and other countries across the rest of the world.

Under the convention, countries agree to uphold and enforce each other’s decisions about child abduction cases. Where a parent has unlawfully taken a child from one convention country to another, the second country will therefore help return the child to the first country.

This makes it easier to enforce English orders abroad, for example where a parent has failed to return from a foreign country with the child. The courts and police in that country can act to return the child without having to re-examine the decision about where the child should live.

Actions under the Hague Convention can be incredibly complex. It is important to act quickly and seek proper legal advice if you think that there is a risk that your child may be abducted to or unlawfully retained in a foreign country.

Vardags’ team of top international divorce lawyers delivers a bespoke legal service to HNW and UHNW individuals, their families, and businesses.

If you are considering or going through a divorce, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.