Abduction

In the UK, child abduction is a serious offence when a child under 16 is taken or sent outside the country without the necessary consent. This can be a criminal offense, especially when it violates a court order or the consent of all those with parental responsibility. The Child Abduction Act 1984 defines the legal framework for this. 

Key Points:

• Definition:
  Child abduction is the unauthorized removal of a child from their place of residence, often from one parent or from the country they normally live in. 
• Criminal Offense:
  Taking a child outside the UK without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility is a criminal offense under the Child Abduction Act 1984. 
  
• Consent:
  Those with parental responsibility include the mother, the father (if he has parental responsibility), guardian, or anyone who has a court order for the child's care. 
  
• Exceptions:
  If someone has a residence order or special guardianship order, they may have the right to take the child abroad for a limited time without specific consent, but exceeding that time frame can be a breach of court order. 
  
• Legal Aid:
  Legal Aid may be available for parents or those with parental responsibility who are at risk of abduction or have had their child abducted.
  
• International Abduction:
  The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction provides a framework for returning children to their country of residence when abducted internationally. 
  
• What to do if your child is abducted:
  Contact the police immediately and seek legal advice from a family law solicitor. 
  

We at  CSSOLICITORS  have extensive experience in  assisting parents who may find themselves in this situation.

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