International parental abduction is a serious issue that can cause significant stress and confusion for families. When a parent takes a child to another country without permission or refuses to return the child after a visit abroad, it can lead to brutal legal battles.Â
At Ciyou & Associates, P.C., we help parents deal with the complex legal challenges of international parental abduction. Our attorneys work to protect your rights and make sure your child’s best interests are always put first.
We understand how overwhelming and painful international parental abduction cases are. We are here to help get your child back.
International parental abduction is when one parent takes a child to another country without the other parent’s permission or against a court order. These cases are challenging because they involve U.S. laws and the country the children were taken to.
Many countries, including the United States, use the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction when handling these cases. The treaty aims to return children to their home country and protect their custody rights.Â
However, not all countries are part of the Hague Convention, which can make it more complicated to bring your kids home.Â
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Experienced in International Family Law
Our international parental abduction attorneys understand both Indiana and international family law. We have handled many cases involving international parental abduction and know how to navigate these complicated, emotionally charged situations.
Expertise in Handling Hague Convention Cases
We have experience working with the Hague Convention, which provides a legal way to return children who have been taken or kept in another country. We know the steps and paperwork needed to help you through this process.
Focus on Your Family’s Best Interests
We know that these cases are emotionally challenging and can be traumatizing to you and your child. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping protect your family and making sure that your parental rights and your child’s safety are our top priorities.
Full Legal Support
From filing the paperwork to dealing with foreign courts, we offer complete legal support to help you recover your child. Our goal is to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Contact an attorney immediately to explain the situation and provide evidence of what has happened. Time is essential in these cases, especially if the country is part of the Hague Convention. An attorney can help you start the legal process to get your child back.
You have one year from the date your child was taken or kept to file under the Hague Convention. Acting sooner can improve your chances of a favorable result.
It can be. Removing or hiding a child in violation of a custody order or parenting time rights can be charged as interference with custody under Indiana law, which can be a felony. Taking a child out of the United States to obstruct the other parent's rights can also be a federal crime.
Ensuring your child’s safety often involves working closely with your legal team, international authorities, and any applicable court orders. You may be able to request emergency court orders for your child's return or engage law enforcement if necessary. Having an experienced attorney guide you through these steps is crucial for the best outcome.
If you believe the other parent may abduct your child, you can seek a court order to prevent them from traveling with the child. This may include restrictions on passport issuance, notifying border authorities, and ensuring you are aware of all travel plans. It is essential to act quickly.
The return process under the Convention isn't available, so the case takes other paths. Options can include getting a custody order in Indiana, working with the U.S. State Department, filing in the other country's courts and pursuing criminal charges. These cases move slowly, so acting quickly is critical.
If you are dealing with an international parental abduction case, Ciyou & Associates, P.C. is here to help.
Call us at (317) 342-3281 or visit our contact page to set up a consultation. Don’t wait to take action—protect your family today.
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