Parental child abduction happens when someone with a connection to a child takes them out of their country of habitual residence (meaning the country where they usually live) without the consent of those with parental responsibility or the court’s approval.  

This can happen during a custody dispute, after a separation or divorce, or in cases where one parent wishes to relocate with the child without the other parent’s permission.

Under the Child Abduction Act 1984, it is a criminal offence for anyone connected to a child under the age of 16 to take them out of the UK without the consent of the other parent or legal guardian.  Internal abduction can also occur when children are removed to other parts of the jurisdiction of England and Wales which is contrary to the rights of the parent with parental responsibility.  

If you believe there is a real and imminent risk of external or internal child abduction then we can help you with specialist advice and, if appropriate, seek an injunction known as a ‘prohibited steps order’.  Specialist family law advice should always be obtained urgently if there is a fear or risk of child abduction.