Hague Convention
If a child has been taken to or kept in another country, the countries involved, the timing, and the existing arrangements matter immediately.
Fort Lauderdale office · Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach
Countries. Dates. Existing arrangements.
Return proceedings and custody decisions differ
The Hague Abduction Convention provides a civil process for certain cross-border child-return and access matters. It is not a guarantee of return, and its applicability requires careful review.
Build a precise chronology
Be ready to identify where the child usually lived, when travel occurred, what was agreed, and which orders or proceedings exist. Provide documents only through an approved channel.
Use the official resources
The U.S. Department of State provides information for parents about Hague applications. A treaty-partner check and individualized legal review are essential to understanding the available process.
Related official resource: U.S. Department of State: Hague applications. Source checked September 1, 2026.
Two different legal questions.
Return or access proceedings
A Hague application concerns a treaty-based process for eligible international cases. The countries involved and applicable requirements need review.
The underlying custody dispute
A return proceeding is not the same as a decision about the merits of custody. Existing orders and other proceedings must still be identified.
Before we speak.
Does the Convention apply whenever a child is abroad?
No. Treaty relationships and case-specific requirements matter. Use official country information and individualized advice; the existence of international travel alone does not establish a Hague claim.
What information is most useful at the outset?
Identify the countries, the child’s usual residence, travel and return dates, and any existing orders. Prepare that chronology for counsel and ask intake how requested records should be provided.
Talk with GFC LAW
Tell us the general matter type and any approaching deadline. We will confirm consultation availability and next steps.