The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that provides a legal framework for the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence.

In the United States there are two levels of court systems - state courts and federal courts. Most family lawyers and child custody lawyers only practice in state court, but Hague Convention cases are most often brought in federal court. These cases also involve unusual and complicated international law issues that not all attorneys are comfortable handling. They also move fast - so you need a lawyer who is familiar with international child abduction issues and won't need time to get up to speed.

If your country has signed the Hague Convention, you can file an application with your country's central authority seeking return of your child. They will coordinate with the United States Department of State to try to get your child returned. You should also hire an attorney in the United States as soon as possible. Your attorney can file a petition with the courts to have your child returned to your country. But any delay in the process decreases your chances of getting your child returned.

Contact an attorney experienced in Hague Convention and parental abduction cases immediately. Your child's other parent is trying to force you to return the child to another county. Hague Convention cases move quickly. Often you will have to appear at a hearing in court less than two weeks after the case is filed - and what happens at that hearing can permanently affect your ability to keep your child in the United States.

Hague Convention cases move quickly. It's recommended that they be resolved within 6 weeks of being filed. But realistically 3-4 months is more common.

A list of countries that have signed on to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is here. You must be in one of these countries to bring a Hague Convention case for return of a child to your country.

Hague Convention parental abduction cases are unusual, complex, and move fast. They can also have life-changing consequences for your and your child. Most attorneys have never handled an international child abduction case - or even heard of the Hague Convention. Our attorney is experienced in these cases and understands how stressful these cases are for parents. She is committed to compassionately and zealously representing you.