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Child Abduction
In cases where the abduction of a child has occurred or there is a fear that it may take place; time and prompt action is of the essence.
Child abduction may involve the criminal law as well as civil. There are a number of relevant criminal offences including common law kidnapping or criminal offences pursuant to the Child Abduction Act. In particular it is a criminal offence to take a child out of the United Kingdom without the consent of the child’s mother and father where he has Parental Responsibility together with any other party who has custodial rights in relation to the child – for example a third party (such as a grandparent) with a Residence Order or a Local Authority where the child is in care. There is no substitute for vigilance as to where a child’s whereabouts are concerned to prevent abduction but the following steps may help:-
If a child has already been abducted abroad – there are international treaties (notably the Hague Convention) which regulate enforcement with many foreign jurisdictions. The legal presumption is that the child should be returned to the original jurisdiction for the resolution of any dispute – but some countries are not signatories to any of these conventions and even where there is a reciprocal agreement in place the process is fraught with delay. In the event of such an abduction contact should immediately be made with the British Government Department responsible for liaising with foreign counterparts.
We are able to offer specialist advice. Call 01323 720142 now for a consultation with a specialist Solicitor or a Lawyer at Lawson Lewis & Co.
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