If your child has been taken from the United States to another country without your permission, this may constitute international parental child abduction, and you should act immediately. The actions you take in the first hours and days could impact how and when your child is returned.
International child abduction cases are emotionally devastating and legally complex, often involving multiple countries, courts, and international treaties such as the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. You should act quickly. You should act strategically. To make everything simpler for you, you should talk to a lawyer.
Step One: Contact Law Enforcement Immediately
If you believe your child may be in physical danger, call your local police right away. Do not wait. Many jurisdictions have established protocols for handling international and interstate child abduction cases.
Be prepared to provide:
- A recent photograph of your child
- Your child’s full name, date of birth, and identifying details
- Last known location of your child
- Name of the person who may have taken the child
- Any information about where the child may be located or traveling
In most international child abduction cases, the child is taken by a parent, spouse, or former spouse. Law enforcement is trained to handle these situations, and reporting the potential abduction early, especially within the first 48 hours, can make a decisive difference in how they react.
Step Two: Gather Documents
Immediately locate and organize any documents related to your child and your legal rights, including:
- Your child’s passport (or confirmation of who has possession of it)
- Birth certificates
- Custody orders, parenting plans, or divorce decrees
- Any court orders specifying where the child is required to reside
- Travel consent forms, if any exist
If you can’t find any of these documents, call your family lawyer immediately. They may be able to produce copies of them.
Step Three: Object Clearly in Writing
If you know who has your child, object in writing immediately.
Send a clear, direct message by email or text stating:
- You do not consent to your child’s removal or retention
- Date and location where you last saw your child
- Your demand for the child’s immediate return
Written objections can become evidence in Hague Convention proceedings and help establish that the removal or retention was wrongful under international law.
Step Four: Contact a Hague Child Abduction Attorney
If you believe your child has been taken out of the country, contact a family law attorney with specific experience in international child abduction and Hague Convention cases as soon as possible. The attorney who helped you with your divorce or child custody case might not be familiar with international child abduction cases, so be sure to call a law firm that is.
An attorney experienced in the many details of international child abduction cases can:
- Determine whether the Hague Convention applies
- Coordinate with the U.S. State Department and foreign authorities
- File emergency motions in the appropriate court
- Act quickly to preserve jurisdiction and protect your rights
Delay can weaken your case, especially once a child becomes “settled” in another country.
Get Legal Help Immediately
International child abduction cases move fast, cross borders, and leave little room for error. While the situation may feel overwhelming, decisive and informed action may help orchestrate your child’s safe return.
The Harris Law Firm can help people across Colorado with high-stakes international child abduction cases. Whether your ex-spouse intentionally took your child out of the country without telling you, or if you think the situation is based on a terrible misunderstanding, you can count on us to lead the way with our extensive insight and knowledge of Hague law.
If you suspect international child abduction, act now; every moment matters. Call (303) 622-5502 without delay.
About the author
Richard A. Harris is the Managing Partner of The Harris Law Firm in Colorado, where he brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to family law to every case he handles. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and repeatedly selected to the Super Lawyers® list, Rich combines legal expertise with compassionate advocacy to help families navigate complex transitions with clarity and confidence. In addition to his legal practice, he is a respected speaker and author on family law topics and actively supports humanitarian causes and community service.
