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International Children Law Solicitors

Navigating children law disputes is never easy, but when international borders are involved, the complexity can feel overwhelming. Issues such as abduction, relocation, or enforcing foreign court orders require specialist guidance from solicitors with genuine expertise in international children law.

At Roythornes, our experienced international children law solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you resolve matters involving children across different jurisdictions. We understand the urgency and emotional strain these cases bring and work with you to protect your child’s welfare while safeguarding your rights.

Whether you are dealing with an abduction case under the Hague Convention, seeking to relocate abroad with your child, or facing a dispute about cross-border contact, our family law team aims to deliver solutions that achieve stability and certainty for families. With Roythornes, you benefit from specialist knowledge, strategic support, and an empathetic team dedicated to securing the best outcome for your situation.

We can advise on all aspects of international child law, including:

Contact our international children law solicitors

If you are facing a matter involving children and international law, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today to speak directly with one of our specialist international children law solicitors in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Langham or Spalding.

Our expertise with international children law

At Roythornes, we are recognised for our strength in complex, cross-border family law cases. A substantial proportion of our work comes from referrals by former clients and professional contacts, demonstrating the confidence people have in our expertise.

Our specialist international family law solicitors advise parents, guardians, and extended family members in situations where children are taken abroad without consent, or where permission is sought to relocate overseas. We also act in cases involving foreign surrogacy arrangements, international adoptions, and disputes about parental responsibility across jurisdictions.

Child abduction cases are particularly urgent. We act swiftly to initiate or respond to Hague Convention proceedings, ensuring protective measures are taken and your child’s welfare remains at the forefront. Similarly, where applications are made to relocate, we can provide clear and strategic advice on how to present or oppose the case effectively. Rest assured, we will make your child’s welfare our absolute priority at all times.

Our approach is pragmatic and focused on resolution. While we encourage negotiation and mediation where possible, we provide strong representation in court where disputes cannot be resolved otherwise. With significant experience in both domestic and international courts, our international child lawyers are well placed to guide you through even the most complex scenarios.

Our international child abduction services

International child abduction

International child abduction occurs when a child is taken to another country without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, or without the permission of the court. These cases are urgent and highly stressful. The expert international child law solicitors at Roythornes will act quickly to initiate proceedings, secure the return of the child, and protect your parental rights.

Hague Convention proceedings

The 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction provides a mechanism to return children wrongfully removed or retained across borders. Our solicitors regularly act in Hague Convention cases, guiding parents through the process in the UK courts and liaising with central authorities abroad.

We are experienced in both making and defending applications under the Convention. Rest assured that we appreciate how intimidating and complex Hague Convention proceedings are and will guide you closely through this process to provide peace of mind.

Child relocation and leave to remove applications

If you or your former partner wishes to move abroad with your child, permission must be obtained from the other parent or the court. Our team provides careful advice on relocation applications, helping you prepare evidence that demonstrates how the move will affect your child’s welfare. We also support parents opposing relocation, ensuring their objections are clearly represented.

Defending international child law claims

Parents may find themselves defending claims brought under international children law, such as allegations of wrongful removal or disputes over contact. We provide robust representation, ensuring your case is presented fully and your rights are protected throughout the process.

Surrogacy and parental orders

Where children are born through international surrogacy arrangements, obtaining legal parenthood in the UK requires a parental order. Our solicitors can guide you through the application process, advising on eligibility requirements and ensuring the child’s legal status is secure. We also assist with adoption applications for children born overseas.

Cross-border contact and residence

When parents live in different countries, maintaining consistent contact arrangements can be challenging. We advise on cross-border residence and contact disputes, helping you establish enforceable arrangements that protect your child’s best interests while maintaining family relationships.

Emergency applications and child protection

In urgent situations, such as when there is a risk of a child being taken abroad unlawfully, we can make emergency applications to the court for prohibited steps orders or other protective measures. Our priority is to act quickly to safeguard children from harm or unlawful removal.

International children law FAQs

My ex-partner has taken our child to another country without my consent. What are my immediate steps?

You should seek legal advice urgently. If the country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, an application can usually be made for the child’s swift return. The police and the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) may also be involved. Acting quickly is essential.

Can you take your children abroad after a divorce?

If you have a child arrangements order specifying where the child lives, you need the other parent’s consent or permission from the court to take the child abroad, even for a holiday. Without this, you may be accused of child abduction.

How does the Hague Convention on Child Abduction work in the UK?

The Hague Convention provides a framework for the return of children wrongfully removed or retained across borders. UK courts can order the child’s return unless limited defences apply, such as where returning would place the child at risk of harm.

How does child maintenance work if one parent lives abroad?

Child maintenance may still be enforced if one parent lives overseas. The UK has reciprocal arrangements with many countries that allow maintenance orders to be recognised and enforced internationally.

What factors do UK courts consider when deciding if a child can relocate internationally?

Courts consider the child’s welfare as paramount. Factors include:

  • The reasons for relocation
  • Practical arrangements
  • Impact on the child’s relationship with the non-resident parent
  • The child’s own wishes, if they are old enough to express them

How can I prevent my ex-partner from moving our child abroad without my agreement?

You can apply to the court for a prohibited steps order to prevent the removal of your child from the UK without consent, and our solicitors will be more than happy to help. Border alerts may also be put in place in urgent situations.

My child lives abroad with their other parent. How can I arrange regular contact?

You can apply for a contact order in the UK or through the courts in the country where your child lives. Video contact is often considered alongside face-to-face arrangements. Legal advice is important to determine which jurisdiction should hear the case.

What are the legal requirements for obtaining a parental order for a child born via surrogacy abroad?

Applicants must be married, in a civil partnership, or living together in an enduring family relationship, and at least one must be genetically related to the child. The application must be made within six months of the child’s birth, and the surrogate’s consent is required.

Contact our international children law solicitors

If you are facing a matter involving children and international law, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today to speak directly with one of our specialist international children law solicitors in Alconbury, Birmingham, Nottingham, Langham or Spalding.