With more foreign travel and residence abroad, families are more international than ever before. This is surely enriching for both parents and children alike, but it can mean the consequences of any relationship breakdown are even more distressing than normal.
It is understandable that following a divorce or separation, one parent may want to return to their own country, or even elsewhere in the UK. The problem comes if they attempt to take their child with them against the wishes of the other parent. Depending on the country involved there are different rules for dealing with this, but strictly it is a criminal offence.
If you fear your ex spouse or partner might take your child out of the country, there are steps you can take to prevent it. Our solicitors are experts in child abduction and will be able to advise you on the best way forward.
If you are the parent wanting to move abroad with your child, you will need permission from the courts if the other parent has parental responsibility and does not agree. Without permission you could face a return order or even criminal charges. We have highly experienced solicitors who can advise you on how best to proceed with an application for leave to remove children.
Whichever side of the issue you are on, we will deal with your case as sensitively as possible, above all aiming to put the child’s needs first.
