Child Abduction Solicitors
Breakthrough Solicitors provides expert legal support for matters involving child abduction orders.
Start with a straightforward, free initial consultation with a family lawyer to understand your options.
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
Why choose Breakthrough Solicitors for child abduction matters?
Child abduction is one of the most urgent and distressing situations a parent can face. Whether your child has been taken abroad without your consent, retained overseas after an agreed visit, or you are concerned that removal is imminent, the steps you take in the first hours and days can be critical.
In England and Wales, removing a child from the country without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility — or without a court order — could be a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984 (even where the removal was not intended to be permanent or malicious).
A parent who takes a child abroad believing they have permission, or who decides not to return following the agreed terms of a holiday, can still face serious legal consequences.
Where a child has been taken to another country, the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction provides a legal framework to secure their swift return.
At Breakthrough Solicitors, we advise both left-behind parents seeking the return of a child and parents who may have removed a child without malicious intent understand their legal position.
What sets us apart:
- Transparent and trusted: Our positive client feedback reflects our commitment to honest, clear advice during what are often the most urgent and emotionally overwhelming circumstances a parent can face.
- Experienced team: With over 20 years of combined experience, our family law solicitors advise on all aspects of child abduction — including emergency port alerts, prohibited steps orders, wardship, Hague Convention proceedings, and cases involving non-Convention countries.
- A responsive, urgent approach: Child abduction cases move quickly and court proceedings are prioritised. We act promptly to protect your position — whether that means applying for an emergency order or advising on your options if a child has already been removed.
- Serving clients across England and Wales: We work with clients nationwide, remotely or in person at our offices in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, and London.
- Advice in multiple languages: Clear, jargon-free legal advice in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Cantonese.
- Flexible appointments:
- Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm
- Saturday: 9am – 6pm
- Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Speak to a family law solicitor today!
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
How Breakthrough Solicitors support you with child abduction matters
Child abduction cases require immediate, focused legal action. The approach depends on whether a child has already been removed, is at risk of removal, or has been brought to England and Wales from another country.
At Breakthrough Solicitors, we guide you through the process clearly and at pace:
- Immediate advice: We assess your situation urgently and decide what steps can be taken to protect the child or your legal position.
- Emergency prevention measures: Where removal is imminent but has not yet occurred, we may be able to obtain a Prohibited Steps Order or other measures that can prevent a child from being taken out of the country.
- Wardship proceedings: In urgent or complex cases, we can apply to make a child a ward of the court, which immediately freezes the situation and prevents the child from being removed from the jurisdiction without court approval.
- Hague Convention applications: Where a child has been taken to or retained in a country that is a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention, we advise on making — or responding to — an application for the child’s return.
- Non-Convention country cases: Where a child has been taken to a country that is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, the legal position is more complex. and we can also advise on such situations.
- Defending a return application: If a return application has been made against you, we advise on the available defences — including where returning the child would place them at grave risk of harm.
Common challenges in child abduction cases — and how we help you prepare
Child abduction cases are among the most time-sensitive in family law. Understanding the legal landscape — and acting on the right advice quickly — makes a significant difference to the outcome.
Key ways to strengthen your position:
- Acting immediately: The longer a child remains in another country, the more difficult recovery can become.
- Simultaneous decision making: If you believe your child has been wrongfully abducted, your first step should be to contact the police and report it, whilst seeking legal action at the same time.
- Understanding the law: The Hague Convention applies to over 100 countries, but not all. Where a child has been taken to a non-signatory country, the process is more complex.
- Taking preventive steps: If you are concerned that the other parent may attempt to take a child abroad without consent, it’s best to obtain legal action before it happens.
- Understand your position if you have removed a child: If you have taken a child abroad — even for reasons you believe are justified, such as concerns about their safety — you may be facing a return application.
- Be aware of the nature of the case: Child abduction proceedings in England and Wales are dealt with by the High Court and are given priority in the court’s listing.
Your rights and options in child abduction matters — and how our solicitors support you
Whether you are seeking the return of your child or responding to proceedings brought against you, the court has a range of urgent powers available.
We can help:
- Understand the child abduction situation you are currently in
- Obtain an emergency Prohibited Steps Order to prevent a child from being removed from England and Wales
- Apply for a port alert to prevent a child from leaving the country at ports and airports
- Make a child a ward of the court in urgent or complex cases where immediate court protection is needed
- Pursue a Hague Convention application for the prompt return of a child taken to a signatory country
- Advise on and pursue alternative legal routes where a child has been taken to a non-Convention country
- Defend a return application, including raising defences where return would expose the child to a grave risk of harm
- Seek a Location Order where the whereabouts of a child are unknown
Speak to a family law solicitor today!
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
How to start your child abduction matter with Breakthrough Solicitors
If you are concerned that your child has been — or is at risk of being — abducted, taking legal advice immediately is the single most important step you can take. At Breakthrough Solicitors, we understand the urgency of these situations and aim to respond as quickly as possible.
- Get in touch: Contact us by phone, email, or online enquiry form. If the matter is urgent, please call us directly.
- Free initial consultation: Speak with an experienced family law solicitor to understand your position and the immediate steps available to you — with no obligation.
- Fixed-fee one-hour meeting — £295 (incl. VAT): Meet with Akash Soni and a member of his team to discuss your situation in detail and receive tailored advice on the most appropriate next steps. (We’ll ask for relevant documents in advance for KYC and AML checks.)
- Formal instruction: If you choose to proceed, we will send you a client care letter and request a deposit (usually £500, depending on complexity).
- Ongoing support: We act on your behalf, pursue the appropriate legal steps urgently, and keep you informed at every stage.
Flexible Support That Fits Around You
✓ Remote or Face-to-Face Meetings
We offer meetings remotely via video call, or in person at our offices in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Chorleywood, Gerrards Cross, Harrow, High Wycombe, Mayfair, Milton Keynes, Rickmansworth or The Chalfonts — whichever suits you best.
✓ Advice In Multiple Languages
Support available in English, Cantonese, Hindi, and Gujarati.
✓ Extended Working Hours
Speak to us 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
Speak to a family law solicitor today!
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Abduction
What is considered child abduction under UK law?
Child abduction is when a person connected to a child removes them from their country of residence without the consent of those with parental responsibility or the court.
Can a parent abduct their child?
Yes, in accordance with law in England and Wales, a parent can be found guilty of abducting their own child(ren).
Can child abduction happen unknowingly by mistake?
Yes, it’s possible to abduct a child without any wrongful intent. Here are some of the ways it can happen:
- When a thief steals a car and the child is still in the car
- Extended holidays as a result of admin issues, miscommunication, medical emergencies etc
- A general misunderstanding of child custody laws
What is the punishment for child abduction in the UK?
Child abduction is often a criminal offence and can carry imprisonment, especially with wrongful intent attached to it. But, in some cases, it may be a civil case (for example, wrongful retention within limits).
Can you prevent child abduction?
If you are concerned about the possibility of your child(ren) being abducted by their other parent, you should alert the police. If the risk of abduction is real and imminent (expected within 24 to 48 hours), the police can immediately institute a 28-day Port Alert via the National Border Targeting Centre to flag departure points; they will ask you to provide a detailed statement and proof of the child’s identity.
You can also apply to the Family Court for a Prohibited Steps Order (PSO), which legally prevents your child’s removal from the UK without written consent or further court permission. In addition, the Court can order the surrender of the child’s passport, or you can object directly to HM Passport Office to place a 12-month lookout on the child’s record to prevent a new UK passport from being issued without your consent.
Under exceptional circumstances, you can apply to the High Court to make your child a ward of court; this vests legal custody of the child in the High Court, meaning no significant steps (including travel abroad) can be taken without the Court’s prior approval. While this means the Court holds ultimate parental responsibility, you still retain yours, but your exercise of it is shared with and subject to the Court’s supervision.
If in fear of abduction, who should I call?
If you believe that your child has been abducted, your first move should be to call the police and report it. You should also seek legal advice from a solicitor.
The team here at Breakthrough Solicitors has experience with abduction cases and we can help you too.
What happens in the free consultation?
A 30-minute, no-obligation call where you discuss your situation and options with an experienced family solicitor.
What is the fixed fee meeting?
A one-hour advice session costing £295 (including VAT), where we provide tailored legal advice and a clear strategy going forward.