If a parent, a guardian, or a proxy acting on their behalf abducts your child and takes them to another country, we can:

• Give you information about various resources that may assist you in pursuing the return of, or access to, your child.
• Provide you with a list of attorneys in the country where your child is located.
• Answer questions about the Department’s role in international parental child abduction cases. We can also answer questions from local and federal law enforcement.
• Submit a completed Hague Abduction Convention (Convention) application. Then, we will follow the case through the foreign administrative and legal processes.  This applies only if your child has been abducted to or retained in a Convention partner country. Please note:  Your or your child’s nationality or legal status does not impact your eligibility to submit a Convention application. 

We cannot:

• Provide you with legal advice, recommend a specific course of action, or represent you in court.
• Guarantee the return of, or access to, your child.
• Take custody of your child.
• Break any laws in the United States or in a foreign country.
• Pay legal fees, court costs, or any other fees associated with court cases.
• Provide you with lodging.  

See also: 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contacting Law Enforcement

Filing a Hague Application

Finding an Attorney Abroad