Child Abduction
If your children are taken from your care, act quickly and get legal advice
If a parenting order exists it is against the law to move a child away from Australia without written agreement
It is important to act quickly and get legal advice
Child Abduction
If your children are taken from your care or moved in Australia, and the move affects your ability to have a relationship with them, it is important to act quickly and get legal advice.
What steps you take next depends on your particular situation and whether the matter is urgent. In some circumstances you can make an urgent application to the court for a ‘recovery order’ to have the children returned to you while your parenting issues are being sorted out. The court will consider what is in the children’s best interests and whether there is any risk of harm to the children. The Australian Federal Police are usually involved in the return of children, but sometimes it is the state police.
If you are concerned about a recovery application or there is a risk your child may leave Australia, we urge you to contact us immediately to discuss your options.
We’re here to help – your initial consultation is free