We specialise in international children law issues and provide our advice at provincial not London rates.

Our areas of expertise include:

• Relocation of children on a temporary or permanent basis.
• Opposition to the relocation of the child.
• Taking a child abroad out of the jurisdiction for a holiday that is opposed by the other parent.
• International residence and contact disputes.
• International child abduction.

• Tracing the location of a child in the UK or overseas with the assistance of the Tipstaff in England and Wales.
• Obtaining disclosure orders to identify the whereabouts of a parent or child in the UK or overseas.
• Financial implication of these proceedings for example of school fees and child support and enforcement overseas.

If international child abduction is suspected is it essential to take immediate steps to include:

• An application to the High Court to determine jurisdiction and/or make the child a ward of court.
• The implementation of Port Alerts where there is the risk of removal.
• Obtaining a declaration of habitual residence if necessary

• The seizure of passport and travel documentation.
• An application to the Family Court for a lives with order, spends time with order, prohibited steps order, or specific issue order.

We aim to offer a flexible and approachable service and can communicate at times to suit you wherever you may be living.

It is essential that immediate legal advice is sought from an expert in this area of law.

Joanne Houston is a Resolution member and specialist in International Family Law and has over 30 years of experience as a divorce lawyer. We cannot advise in respect of the legal position in foreign jurisdiction but can provide you with overseas contacts.