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About The Service
Child Abduction
If your child has been taken, retained abroad or within the UK without your consent, or you face a risk of abduction by the other parent, our specialist family law team at Powell Spencer & Partners provides urgent, expert advice and representation. We handle parental child abduction, international removal cases, and all related legal remedies across England and Wales.
What Counts as Child Abduction?
“Child abduction” covers situations such as:
A child under 16 (or under 18 in some cases) being taken or sent out of the UK without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility.
A child being retained abroad following an authorised trip, without the consent of the other parent or guardian.
Threats of removal or retention abroad where you fear your child may be taken without permission.
Under the Child Abduction Act 1984 it is a criminal offence in the UK for a person connected with a child under 16 to take or send the child out of the country without proper consent.
Why Choose Us for Child Abduction & Removal Cases?
We are accredited family law solicitors with specialist experience in international child abduction, UK removal cases, and urgent protective applications.
We offer clear, urgent legal strategy when time is critical, including applications under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and domestic enforcement.
We represent both left-behind parents seeking return of their children and parents defending removal or retention claims, always prioritising the child’s welfare and the legal rights involved.
We provide full service: immediate advice, emergency court applications, liaison with the police and foreign authorities (where needed), and representation in the Family Court.
Our Child Abduction Services
International Child Abduction & Removal
If your child has been taken overseas without your consent or retained abroad, we assist with Hague Convention return applications, protective orders and negotiation with foreign jurisdictions.
Domestic Parental Child Abduction & Retention
We handle cases where a parent has taken or is threatening to take a child within the UK or is refusing to return a child following an agreement or order.
Protective Measures & Emergency Orders
We advise and apply for emergency court orders (for example wardship, prohibited steps orders, passport seizure) to stop removal and protect your child’s rights.
Representation in Court & Police Liaison
When criminal proceedings (under the Child Abduction Act) or family law proceedings are required, we act for you — guiding you through processes, preparing submissions, representing you in hearings and coordinating with law enforcement if necessary.
Post-Decision Advice & Recovery Strategy
We help with the next steps once a child is returned or a case is resolved: reviewing contact arrangements, applying for variation orders, enforcing court decisions and protecting children from future risk.
Key Considerations & Timeline
Urgency matters: In many international cases immediate action can make a difference to the child’s safe return.
Consent and parental responsibility: Without the consent of all with parental responsibility, taking a child overseas may be a criminal offence.
Evidence gathering: Strong evidence of the child’s nationality, residence, travel history, parental responsibility and consent issues will be crucial to success.
Jurisdiction issues: Different countries have different rules about abduction and child removal. We advise on jurisdiction, international treaties and cross-border legal cooperation.
Penalties: Conviction under the Child Abduction Act may lead to up to seven years’ imprisonment in the UK in serious cases.
Transparent Process & Fee Structure
Initial urgent consultation – we assess your child’s location, risk of removal, parental responsibility, and obtain relevant documents.
Strategy & application – we decide whether to apply under the Hague Convention, domestic measures or take both paths; and we prepare required papers.
Submission & representation – we file emergency court application or dialogue with authorities, coordinate with law enforcement, and represent you in hearings.
Outcome monitoring & enforcement – once the child is returned or an order has been made, we assist with enforcement, review of contact arrangements, and future risk mitigation.We agree fees upfront and are experienced in legal aid or fixed fee funding arrangements in suitable cases.
Contact Our Child Abduction Experts in London If you suspect your child may be taken abroad, or your child has already been removed without your consent, time is critical.Let our specialist child abduction solicitors protect your child’s rights and act swiftly on your behalf
FAQs – Child Abduction UK
Q: Can a parent legally take their child abroad without the other parent’s consent?
A: Generally no. If the parent with parental responsibility takes a child under 16 out of the UK without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility (or the leave of court), it may be a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984.
Q: What should I do if my child has been abducted abroad?
A: Contact the police, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and obtain specialist legal advice immediately — you may be able to apply under the Hague Convention for the child’s return
Q: I fear the other parent may take our child without consent — what can I do?
A: Seek urgent legal advice and possible application to the court for a prohibition on removal (for example a prohibited steps order or passport surrender) to protect your child from abduction.