The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is in force between Australia and over 80 countries including the US, Thailand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Peru and Greece. For a more comprehensive list, see the following link at the Attorney-General’s Department website: https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/international-family-law-and-children/hague-convention-civil-aspects-international-child-abduction

This means it is possible to bring an application through the Hague Convention, in appropriate circumstances, for the return of a child and related orders if a child has been unilaterally removed from Australia to any of these other countries. The aim of the Hague Convention, broadly, is to secure the prompt return of an abducted child to his or her home country.

As indicated on our website, there are Government information points that you can access that provide information on bringing, or responding to, a Hague Convention Application including at the Attorney-General’s Department website at: https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/international-family-law-and-children

We here at Lopes Family Law are able to assist you if you have a child abduction/Hague matter, by providing you with advice as to the steps you will need to take in bringing such a claim and also making you aware of the resources, including mediation and support services, that may be of assistance in your case.

Jason Lopes also represented a client in a successful defence of a Hague Convention Application (that was eventually withdrawn by the Central Authority) in 2012.

Published July 6th 2014