Navigating the complexities of international child abduction cases can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming At Michelmores, we provide expert legal advice and representation to help resolve cross-border disputes between parents efficiently and effectively.
Head of International Children
She is a very experienced international lawyer and does a great job with international abduction work.
Chambers UK 2027
Hannah Marshall’s family law practice has a notable international dimension, as she often represents vulnerable clients in multi-jurisdictional children matters.
Chambers UK 2026
Hannah Marshall is a particularly strong member of the team […] specialising in cross-border children disputes including international child abduction.
Legal 500 2026
International child abduction occurs when one parent removes a child to another country without the other parent's consent and in breach of their rights of custody. This is known as a wrongful removal, or retention. It can happen out of the blue or in the context of a holiday or temporary relocation. There are a number of defences and exceptions that can be raised by a parent who has been accused of abducting a child. It is the court who decides whether a removal or retention is wrongful, and therefore constitutes child abduction, or not.
If your child has been wrongfully taken to or retained in England and Wales (or in another country), we will offer immediate assistance and advice in respect of legal remedies under the 1980 Hague Convention and other international treaties. Please make an expedited enquiry here.
Navigating these cases requires specialist legal knowledge and we can advise you on whether the 1980 Hague Convention applies to your case, or not. If the convention does not apply to your case then we can advise you on other options available to you.
Requests for a child's return are often made via country Central Authorities. We have experience of acting for clients through the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) membership. This is the Central Authority for England and Wales.
If your child has been removed to or from a country who is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention, a left behind parent can seek an order for their return pursuant to the court's Inherent Jurisdiction. These are known as wardship proceedings.
We can assist you with securing an order for your child's return to this jurisdiction or defending an application for them to return to a different jurisdiction. Please make an expedited enquiry here.
If you are also seeking to divorce and have your financial matters dealt with, we can assist you even if there is a foreign jurisdiction element. Often there is a dispute about where the court proceedings should take place. Our international money specialist solicitors can advise you on the best possible strategy to protect your financial position, alongside securing your objectives in conjunction with child abduction proceedings. The majority of our international cases are High Net Worth matters.
If your child has been abducted to England and Wales (or to an abroad jurisdiction) please contact us immediately and we will offer you urgent assistance. Your urgent enquiry will be expedited – please contact us here.
If you have been accused of child abduction please contact us immediately and we will offer you urgent assistance. Your urgent enquiry will be expedited – please contact us here.
What do I do if my Ex has abducted my child?
Few situations are more frightening than discovering your child has been taken overseas without your agreement. In this article, we outline what constitutes international child abduction, the immediate steps to take, and how specialist legal advice can help.
Read moreThe family team one of the best in the area, with a well deserved reputation fantastic client care and strategic representation.
Legal 500 2025
Michelmores have a strong reputation for being robust and they fight their clients’ corner very strongly.
Chambers UK 2025
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that provides a legal framework to address international child abduction. It aims to ensure the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence and to protect rights of custody and access.
If your child has been wrongfully taken or retained in another country, you should seek legal assistance immediately. Contacting a lawyer experienced in international child abduction cases is crucial. Michelmores can help you navigate the legal process and pursue remedies under the Hague Convention and other relevant treaties.
The duration of an international children case can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the countries involved, and the specific circumstances. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take several months or longer. Our team at Michelmores will work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Yes, mediation can be a valuable tool in resolving international custody disputes. Mediation allows parents to reach mutually agreeable solutions with the help of a neutral mediator. This approach can be less adversarial and more cost-effective than litigation. Our team can guide you through the mediation process and we frequently liaise with organisations such as ‘Reunite International’, who offer specialist assistance in this area.
The costs of international custody cases can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the need for international legal assistance, and other factors. During your initial consultation, we can provide you with a better understanding of potential costs and discuss payment options. At Michelmores, we strive to provide transparent and fair pricing for our services. We are committed to offering a cost-effective service, including in respect of urgent, high-risk matters.
Choosing the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your international custody case. At Michelmores, our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-quality legal representation and support, with reputable and recognised experience in cross-border disputes.
Although child abduction cases are usually heard in the High court, in London, we are happy to meet with you at the location which suits you best. We have offices in London, Bristol, Cheltenham, Exeter and Cambridge. These cases are extremely sensitive and we recognise the importance of meeting clients in person, especially if you are having to travel long distances for court hearings.
If you live abroad, or if travelling at short notice is tricky for you, we can offer remote meetings via Microsoft Teams video call or Zoom. We are happy to offer remote meetings, including out of hours, to suit you and any time difference, together with meeting the demands of your urgent matter.
Hannah Marshall is a particularly strong member of the team […] specialising in cross-border children disputes including international child abduction.
Legal 500 2026
The firm also has excellent partners and associates with experience in complicated legal cost funding applications, financial provisions for children, financial matters arising from divorce, and private children disputes.
Legal 500 2025
