Abductions to the UK

If a child has been abducted from a country that has ratified the 1980 Hague Convention to the UK a parent may be able to apply under the Convention for the return of their child. Parents should contact the Central Authority in the Hague country their child has been abducted from to submit an application for the return of their child under the Convention. The contact details for the Central Authorities can also be found on the Hague Conference website. 

If a child has been abducted from a country that has not ratified the 1980 Hague Convention, or it is not in force with the UK, then a parent will need to appoint a lawyer in the UK and seek a UK court order for the return of their child. Reunite International Child Abduction Centre provides advice to parents of any nationality and has lists of family lawyers in the UK and overseas experienced in dealing with child abduction. Parents can contact Reunite by calling +44 (0) 0116 2556 234 or e-mailing them at reunite@dircon.co.uk.