If your child has been taken abroad, call PDA Law immediately on 01244 757352. Speed is critical.
Urgent — Act Immediately

International Child Abduction — Urgent Legal Help

If your child has been taken abroad without your consent, or you fear they are about to be, you need urgent legal advice. We can apply for emergency orders the same day.

PDA Law handles urgent international child abduction cases for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2.

Call Now — 01244 757352Online Enquiry

Immediate Steps to Take

If your child has been taken abroad, take these steps immediately.

1

Call PDA Law immediately

Call 01244 757352. We can advise on emergency applications and coordinate with the relevant authorities. Speed is critical — the longer the child remains abroad, the more difficult return becomes.

2

Contact the police

Report the abduction to the police. They can issue a port alert to prevent the child leaving the country if they have not yet departed.

3

Contact the ICACU

The International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) is the UK Central Authority for the Hague Convention. They can assist with applications for return under the Convention.

4

Contact the FCDO

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office can provide consular assistance and liaise with authorities in the country where the child has been taken.

5

Gather evidence

Collect all relevant documents — the child's passport, birth certificate, any court orders, and evidence of the child's habitual residence. This will be needed for court applications.

The Hague Convention — How It Works

The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction provides a mechanism for the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in a signatory country.

Key principles

  • Child must be under 16
  • Must have been habitually resident in the UK
  • Removal must breach custody rights
  • Application must be made promptly (ideally within 12 months)
  • Return is the default — exceptions are narrow

Defences to return

  • Child is settled in new country (if over 12 months)
  • Child objects and is of sufficient age/maturity
  • Grave risk of harm on return
  • Consent or acquiescence by the left-behind parent
  • Breach of human rights

Funding Your Legal Fees

Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.

If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.

Explore all funding options

We do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is international child abduction?
International child abduction occurs when a child is wrongfully removed from their country of habitual residence, or wrongfully retained in another country, in breach of a parent's custody rights. It is a serious matter — both legally and emotionally — and requires urgent action.
What is the Hague Convention on child abduction?
The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that provides a mechanism for the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in a signatory country. The UK is a signatory, as are most major countries. The Convention aims to return the child to their country of habitual residence quickly, so that custody disputes can be resolved there.
What should I do if my child has been taken abroad?
Act immediately. Contact us urgently — we can advise on emergency applications to the court and the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU). You should also contact the police and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Speed is critical — the longer the child remains abroad, the more difficult return becomes.
What if my child is at risk of being taken abroad?
If you have reason to believe your child is at risk of being taken abroad, we can apply urgently for a prohibited steps order preventing removal from the jurisdiction, a port alert (preventing the child from leaving the country), and surrender of the child's passport. We can act the same day in urgent cases.
What if the other parent wants to relocate abroad with my child?
A parent cannot take a child abroad to live without the consent of all those with parental responsibility, or a court order. If the other parent is seeking to relocate, we can advise on opposing the application. The court will consider the child's welfare as paramount, including the impact on the child's relationship with the remaining parent.
Do you handle international child abduction cases in Chester and Cheshire?
Yes. PDA Law handles urgent international child abduction cases for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2. We work with specialist international family law networks where needed.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”

Rebecca H.

Family law client, Chester

* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.

Martin Dias, Family Law Executive with almost 30 years experience at PDA Law

Your Family Law Specialist

Martin Dias

Family Law Executive

Divorce · Financial Settlements · Children MattersAlmost 30 Years' ExperienceFinancial Remedy & Pension Sharing Specialist

Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.

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Get Urgent Child Abduction Advice

We act urgently for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14 and throughout Cheshire and North Wales. Call 01244 757352 now.