Our child abduction lawyers provide urgent legal assistance when you fear your child may be taken out of the UK without consent. Our expert solicitors guide families through this distressing time with clear, compassionate advice to protect your child's best interests.
Make an EnquiryUnder the Child Abduction Act 1984, it is a criminal offence when a person takes or sends a child under the age of 16 out of the United Kingdom without the appropriate consent of those with parental responsibility or consent from the court. Child abduction can be committed by parents or family members.
Consideration should first be given as to who has parental responsibility. If both parents have parental responsibility and there are no court orders in place, then neither can take the child outside the United Kingdom without the written consent of the other parent or any other party with parental responsibility. If consent is refused, an application to the court will need to be made for permission.
If you have a Child Arrangements Order in place that provides for the child to live with you, unless the order expressly prohibits this, then you may take the child outside of the UK for up to 28 days without the appropriate consent. However, it is good parenting to agree on arrangements in advance. It is not a criminal offence if you have an order from the court giving you permission to remove the child from the UK.
If you are anxious your child will not be returned after a short holiday or if you fear that your child will be taken out of the UK without your consent, you can consider the following:
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You will receive urgent assistance from experienced solicitors who understand the complexities of child abduction law and can act quickly to protect your child.
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Someone who you can meet in person and who will provide compassionate support during this difficult time.
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We work tirelessly to ensure your child's safety and help establish protective measures for the future.
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Child abduction occurs when someone takes or sends a child under 16 out of the UK without appropriate consent from those with parental responsibility or court permission. This can be committed by parents or family members.
If both parents have parental responsibility and no court orders are in place, neither can take the child outside the UK without written consent from the other parent. If you have a Child Arrangements Order stating the child lives with you, you may take them abroad for up to 28 days without consent unless the order prohibits this.
Take immediate action by applying for a Prohibited Steps Order through the court, requesting a Port Alert from police if there’s immediate risk, or applying for a Child Arrangements Order to determine where the child should live.
A Port Alert lasts for 28 days and alerts all UK departure points to prevent the child from being taken out of the country.
Yes, if both parents have parental responsibility, you typically need consent from both to apply for a child’s passport. If consent is refused, you may need to apply to court.
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London
020 3993 2734Bromley
020 3991 5577Surrey Butler House
01483 944 033Surrey Bookham High Street
01372 898 346Sevenoaks
01732 913 019Chislehurst
020 3993 0522
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