The law applying to disputes over children can seem complex at times especially when the parents originate from different countries and there is a dispute as to which parent the child should live with on the break up of a relationship or marriage. Our Child Abduction team is headed by Amanda Dench, a Resolution Accredited specialist in the three areas of Children law, Domestic Abuse and Child Abduction. The team has extensive experience in acting for all interested parties in children matters with an international element such as:

• Seeking the protection of the court to prevent another person from removing a child from this country;
• Taking urgent action to obtain the return of a child who has been brought unlawfully to this country (incoming abduction);
• Taking urgent action to obtain the return of a child who has been removed unlawfully from this country (outgoing abduction);
• Representing clients as applicants or respondents on applications to relocate to another country with a child.

Miles & Partners hold a contract to deliver publicly funded International Child Abduction services by the Legal Services Commission and have represented clients from South Africa, Latvia, Turkey, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, Portugal and Luxembourg. We are also on the referral list of specialist solicitors held by the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) and members of Reunite.

In Child Abduction matters where the ‘left-behind’ parent is in England & Wales we can offer advice on the procedure for seeking the return of a child which may include a referral to the Central Authority of England & Wales for assistance in making applications to foreign courts. Where the child has been abducted to England & Wales, we can assist in obtaining urgent orders from the High Court which will enable the police and court officials to locate the child, seize passports and if necessary collect the child until such time as the court can fully consider and determine the application. We provide full representation to final hearing and enforcement within abduction proceedings where an application to return the child to his or her country of habitual residence is contested.

We also have substantial experience in representing parties where one parent wishes to move to another country with a child. Where possible, we take a conciliatory and non-confrontational approach to resolving such disputes in an effort not to undermine any future contact between the child and parents. However, where necessary we take robust and affirmative action before the courts.

If you need further advice on any of thse issues please contact Amanda Dench on 020 7426 0400 or email Amanda on ad@milesandpartners.com.