Sally Leaman, a Partner in www.gorvins.com solicitors’ family team, today responded to recent reports on increases in parental child abduction cases by saying that parents who think their children may be at risk should look out for warning signs.
Some of the most common include:
• a separated parent in a new relationship with someone abroad,
• an employment contract coming to an end in the UK or starting abroad
• a parent with family abroad so a place to stay with no questions asked, especially in countries like Spain or Pakistan
• one party seeming to be saving up or amassing funds.
According to latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) statistics cases of child abductions by family members have risen by 36% since 2009.
Removal from one jurisdiction to another by one parent with responsibility for a child, without the consent of the other, is a criminal offence.
Sally commented: “In our experience the writing is often on the wall prior to one parent removing a child and parents need to be alert to these kind of circumstances.”
“Recently we had a couple who had met abroad on holiday, formed a relationship in the UK and had a family, but then one of them wanted to return home with their children against the wishes of the other.
“In another case we had a parent who got a job overseas, went ahead and got settled and when his spouse and family followed for a trial period things didn’t work out and caused difficulties.
“Our advice is if you have any concerns at all, take action, talk to the right people, get independent legal input, but don’t leave it. Being alert to risks could make all the difference for your children.”
Sally concluded: “There are quite good measures in place to prevent parental child abduction and there are things parents can do to protect their children from what can be a very distressing and damaging situation for them. Responding to warning signals is the first step.”