International Child Abduction/Jurisdiction


In this day and age child abduction by one parent out of the country is not uncommon. Fortunately, we have the 'Hague Convention' to help with this situation. Attorney B J Fadem, with over 20 years experience in Family Law understands the procedures and process regarding International Jurisdiction

There are common questions:

What is the 'Hague Convention'?
It is a treaty that some countries have agreed to abide to, with regard to honoring each others' Court Orders.  Removal of a child[ren] is governed by the Courts of the countries who honor the Hague Convention Treaty.  Neither party shall remove the minor child[ren] of the parties from the country for the purpose of changing the residence of the child[ren] permanently to a location outside of the country of residence, without the express written permission of the other party, or with leave of the Court obtained prior to removing the child[ren] from the country from the country must obtain leave of the Court to effect such removal, that party must establish that the reason for leaving is bona fide and that he or she is planning to move in good faith and not for the purpose of undermining the visitation arrangements existing between the child[ren] and the other party, and that the removal of the child[ren] to the new location will not be deterious to the best interests of the child[ren].  This is a very complicated situation and there are many factors to be established and that apply to this situation.

Does it always protect children being taken out of the USA?
No.
First, the country where the child(ren) has been taken may not be a member of the Hague Convention.  Even if they are, the hearing pursuant to the Hague Convention can be deliberately delayed and when finally heard, it is determined the child(ren) has been in the new country so long - the new country is now the childs(ren) country of habitual residence.

Second, it depends on what the Federal Court Judge decides.  When it comes down to it, it is up to the Judge.

As For the Federal Appeal Court: Where do you Appeal an 'Order on Judgement' of the Federal Court?
To the Circuit of the United States that correspondes to the Federal District Court from which you Appeal.  For example if you Appeal from the 6th District of the Federal Court of Northern California, you will Appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of the United States.

Many factors have to be considered in International Jurisdiction ie, Custody, residence and venue of which Court has the rights to hear the case.

Attorney B J Fadem has all the skill and experience to help you with your legal case regarding International Jurisdiction. All your legal options and opportunities will be pursued.

When you consult with our Family Law Firm, you will be getting:

Your case may be time sensitive. Please contact our office to set-up your Initial Consultation. Let's Talk. Please read the FAQ's prior to your Initial Consultation.