Understanding International Child Abduction Legal Protections
Hello, my name is Dillan Savage of Wirth Law Office, and I’m an OKC child custody attorney. Today, we are going to be discussing the Hague Treaty, specifically the Hague Abduction Convention, also known as the Hague Abduction Treaty.
The United States and over a hundred countries are part of this treaty with one another. The purpose behind the Hague Abduction Convention or Treaty is to prevent minor children from being the victims of the negative impact of a parent abducting them to another country, thus hindering their ability to have a relationship with either parent.
The Role of Central Authorities
So, who can help you in a situation like this? Under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, each participating country has an agency known as the Central Authority. This Central Authority is responsible for various tasks aimed at helping return a minor child or determining if the Hague Abduction Convention applies in your case.
The responsibilities of the Central Authority include locating the alleged abducted child, working to find a resolution to the complex situation, and potentially facilitating the return of the minor child. You will need to present documents to the Central Authority to review, which can be as simple as a custody order.
Documenting Your Case
Beyond your custody orders, it’s important to demonstrate that your minor child or children have habitually lived in the United States, particularly in the area where you are filing your case. Gather evidence such as pictures, school records, and other documentation that shows your child has been living with you in the U.S. for an extended period.
Additionally, you must prove that the removal or retention of your child in another country was wrongful and violated your custodial rights. Finally, you should demonstrate that, were it not for this violation, you would be exercising your custodial rights over your minor child or children.
Get Legal Help Today
If you found this information helpful or believe it can assist someone else, please visit theoklahomacityattorney.com. I’m Oklahoma City family attorney Dillan Savage, and I appreciate your time. If you need further assistance, consider scheduling a low-cost consultation by calling 405-888-5400. Thank you for watching!
