The Hague Convention and its impact on child custody

The Hague Convention is important for any parent who has had a child internationally abducted to understand. When a parent abduction has resulted in a child being removed from the country, the Hague Convention may be able to help the parent seeking return of the child.

The Hague Convention, which bears the full name the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, has been ratified by 80 countries. The provisions of the Hague Convention focus on returning a child to the location of their habitual residence and does not address other child custody concerns and issues parents may have. Once the child is safely returned, the family law system can help parents focus on other child custody concerns they will likely have following a parent abduction.

Like other aspects of International Law, of which the Hague Convention is a part, international child custody concerns can be complex. Having trained guidance through the process to ensure the child is safely returned can be helpful. It is also valuable for parents to understand they can turn to the family law process to address their child custody concerns after the safe return of their child. As always, parental rights can be complex but if a parent has abducted a child against a child custody agreement, it is important that the child is returned.

There are many legal tools and resources, family law and otherwise, to help parents navigate child custody concerns that might come up. It is beneficial for parents who have a child custody arrangement to be aware of these protections and how they can help them in their time of need.