URGENT ISSUES
If there is an immediate risk of harm to your child(ren), or where quick legal action is needed to prevent serious consequences, you can usually be fast tracked through the courts.
It is natural to feel overwhelmed and scared in these situations, but you are not alone. In this section we have listed the steps you can take immediately and support services to help you through this situation.
If you have a family member or friend to be with you, it would be helpful for them to support you with applications and evidence gathering. If you need a specialist service, these are also listed below.
International Child Abduction
Taking a child out of the country without the necessary permission is a serious criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984, if your ex has taken your child(ren) to another country please:
1. Call the police.
2.Call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to report the incident.
3. Call Reunite, a charity specialising in child abduction cases.
They will ask you if your child has been taken to a country that is part of The Hague Convention 1980.
If your ex partner has threatened or you are worried that they will try to remove your child(ren) from the UK:
Orders you can ask for
Prohibited Steps Order
Preventing removal from jurisdiction
Walkthrough Videos
Hearing type request
Without Notice Hearing
If your ex partner knowing about the application would increase the danger
Urgent Hearing
You need the court to list your case urgently due to risk of harm
Walkthrough Videos
Services
-
Child Abduction (Within UK)
Taking a child without your permission is covered by the Children Act 1989., if your ex has taken your child(ren) to another part of the country or is refusing to return them please call the police.
If you ex partner has threatened or you are worried that they will try to remove your child(ren) from you:
Orders you can ask for
Prohibited Steps Order
Preventing removal without permission
Specific Issue Order
To settle disputes about relocation
Walkthrough Videos
Hearing type request
Without Notice Hearing
If your ex partner knowing about the application would increase the danger
Urgent Hearing
You need the court to list your case urgently due to risk of removal
Walkthrough Videos
Domestic Violence & Domestic Abuse
You have the right to be protected under the Family Law Act 1996 and Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Orders you can ask for
Non Molestation Order
To prevent contact, threats and harassment
Child Arrangements Order
Outline the risks of harm to your child(ren) and ask the court to direct for supervised contact
Occupation Order to decide who can enter and live in the home
Walkthrough Videos
Hearing type request
Without Notice Hearing
If your ex partner knowing about the application would increase the danger
Urgent Hearing
You need the court to list your case urgently due to risk of harm
Walkthrough Videos
Services