In today’s world it is not unusual for separated families to be spread across international borders, with the children living with one parent in one country, and the other parent living in another country.
Such situations can obviously give rise to International Child Contact cases, where the parent with whom the children do not live is seeking contact with them.
If you are living abroad and your child is resident in England and Wales, and you wish to establish or secure contact with them, then you may make an application to the court in England or Wales for an International Child Arrangement Order to secure time with them.
International contact arrangements can include:
There are laws which prevent a child from being taken across an international border without the consent of all those with Parental Responsibility (usually both parents) or a court order. This is considered a crime under both UK and international law.
International Child Contact cases can be complex and require consideration of many logistical issues, including aspects of cross-border travel and immigration.
If the court in England or Wales is requested to deal with the matter, the same considerations will apply as with a contact case where both parents live in the UK. The court will have to decide what is in the best interests of the child’s welfare.
Our lawyers can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the legal process and protect your child’s best interests.
Walker Family Law is one of the few legal practices in the Southwest that are authorised to receive referrals from the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (‘ICACU’) in incoming child contact cases into England and Wales. The ICACU acts as the central authority for England and Wales for the operation of various international treaties relating to children. Central authorities facilitate international co-operation by acting as a two-way contact point between applicants, domestic courts and competent authorities in their own country and the central authority in the other country.
We can represent parents who live abroad in a country that is a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction (which includes most countries in Europe, North and South America and Australasia) who wish to establish contact with their child in the UK, as well as respondent parents who live with their children in England and Wales and wish to either oppose the proposed contact, or otherwise ensure that necessary safeguards are in place to facilitate the contact safely.
We recognise the importance of fostering a healthy and nurturing environment for children, where both parents can actively participate in their upbringing. We are committed to guiding and advising you on the most suitable strategies to achieve fair and workable child arrangements.
Our experienced Child Law team will ensure that your voice, opinions, and the perspectives of your children are not only heard but also valued throughout the process. Your interests and the best interests of your children are important to us, and we will work alongside you to achieve a resolution that promotes their welfare and happiness.
While our primary aim is to help parents reach amicable solutions, we understand that in some cases, certain disputes may require legal resolution through the court system. In such instances, our skilled team will provide you with expert representation and guidance. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, whether through alternative dispute resolution methods or through the court.
We can:
Walker Family Law is also on the list of specialist international children lawyers kept by Reunite International, the leading UK charity specialising in international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders. Reunite offers support and information on international child contact, including a mediation service which specialises in cross-border cases.
If your child lives in England and Wales and you reside in a 1980 Hague Convention Country, then Legal Aid may be available to help you obtain representation in your international child case. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide guidance on your options for legal support.
Navigating the complexities of international child contact requires both legal expertise and a sensitive approach to the needs of the child and the family. At Walker Family Law, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your international child arrangement order case amicably and effectively.
Child arrangements can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce or a separation, our expert team of lawyers will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
