Concerns over child abduction draft
If you are concerned your ex is going to take your child away without your consent (child abduction), or if you don’t know where your child is located as your ex hasn’t told you here are your options on what to do –
- Apply for a ‘Prohibited steps order’, a prohibited steps order, if granted, will prohibit the other parent from taking the child abroad for either a holiday or to relocate. This order is if you want to stop your child being taken out of the UK. You will need to give as many details about the trip as you possibly can and explain why it is not in the best interest of the child to be taken out of the UK (for example, if they’re going to be missing time away from school.) and its important to include the concerns you have that your child might not be returned to the UK and explain why you think this, include any evidence you may have such as texts or emails. The court will decide if the order should be granted based on what they believe if the best interest of the child.
- If you think you child is going to be taken abroad within the next 48 hours, you should call the police so they can issue a port alert which will stop the child being taken out of the country.
- If your child is being taken abroad and you don’t give consent, you should find a solicitor who deals with child abduction cases as soon as possible to receive legal advice.
- You can contact Reunite for advice on what to do.
- If your child is being relocated in the UK, you could try mediation (If possible) to talk to your ex about the issues and concerns you have.
Click here to read Wikivorce’s own guide on child abduction.
