Child Abduction
✓ Expert Child Abduction Solicitors.
✓ Quality legal representation and support throughout.
✓ Child abduction, parental responsibility & international relocation
Child Abduction Solicitors in Burnley
At Farnworth Rose, our experienced Child Abduction Solicitors are here to provide clear, caring, and effective legal guidance to help you take the right steps when it matters most.
We understand that every situation involving a child requires thoughtful, measured and sensitive support. If you're facing concerns about child abduction, whether within the UK or internationally, it's important to have the right team by your side who can act with care, precision, and your child’s wellbeing at heart.
With over 35 years of combined experience in family and international law, we are trusted by parents across Lancashire and beyond to handle these matters with professionalism, empathy, and discretion. We offer practical advice and firm legal representation in cases involving unauthorised removal of a child, return applications under the Hague Convention, and preventative steps to safeguard your child’s future.
From the moment you speak with us, you will have direct contact with a dedicated solicitor who will take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with confidence. Whether you need to act quickly or want to understand your rights and responsibilities, we will be here, providing calm, knowledgeable support through each stage of the process.
To speak with one of our Child Abduction Lawyers in Burnley, call us today on 01282 695 400 or complete the enquiry form below. We’re ready to help you find the right path forward.
Why Choose Farnworth Rose for Child Abduction Matters?
When it comes to matters involving your child, choosing the right legal representation is essential. At Farnworth Rose, we are proud to offer a service built on experience, expertise and an unwavering commitment to putting your child’s welfare first.
With over three decades of combined experience in family law, our team supports parents with the legal and emotional complexities of child abduction matters. We understand how important it is to act with care and confidence, especially in situations involving international law. Whether the Hague Convention applies or the case falls under domestic legislation, we’re here to provide clear guidance, tailored to your family’s needs.
As accredited practitioners in family law, our solicitors are recognised for their technical skill and their calm, constructive approach. We work closely with parents, guardians and family members to resolve issues in a way that supports long term stability, safety and peace of mind.
Our clients consistently return to us, and recommend us, because they know we offer more than just legal advice. We provide personal, ongoing assistance that reflects the importance of what’s at stake. From emergency court applications to preventative steps to stop an unauthorised removal, we act swiftly and strategically, always keeping your child’s best interests at the centre of every decision. You will always have direct access to your solicitor and receive regular, honest updates on your case. We take pride in being accessible and responsive, and we are always here when you need to speak with someone who understands.
We also believe in transparency at every stage. You’ll receive a clear explanation of your options from the outset, along with a detailed breakdown of legal costs, so you can plan with confidence and without uncertainty.
Above all, we are here to protect what matters most to you. With Farnworth Rose, you have a legal partner who listens, understands, and delivers, with skill, empathy, and care.
At Farnworth Rose, you’ll find experienced child abduction lawyers who combine legal excellence with a compassionate, child focused approach.
Meet the Team
What Is Child Abduction?
Child abduction in legal terms refers to the removal or retention of a child under the age of 16 without the appropriate consent. This can happen within the UK (domestic abduction) or across borders (international abduction), and it is treated with the utmost seriousness by the courts.
Domestic child abduction typically occurs when one parent or guardian takes a child to another part of the UK without the consent of the other parent or without the permission of the court, in cases where both have parental responsibility. Even if there is no malicious intent, such actions can disrupt established arrangements and create uncertainty for the child.
International child abduction happens when a child is taken out of, or kept outside, the UK without the consent of all parties with parental responsibility. This may include cases where a parent has travelled abroad with the child and failed to return, or where a child has been brought into the UK without proper agreement. In these situations, the legal process often involves international agreements such as the 1980 Hague Convention, which provides a framework for the return of children wrongfully removed or retained across borders.
At Farnworth Rose, our expert child abduction lawyers can help you understand whether a situation meets the legal definition of child abduction and what steps can be taken next, whether you are seeking the return of your child or responding to a concern raised by the other parent. We are here to provide calm, clear advice so you can take informed action to protect your child’s wellbeing.
How we can help with Child Abduction Matters
Our experienced team of child abduction lawyers can work alongside you in a wide range of scenarios, including:
Your child has been taken from one part of the UK to another without your consent. We can help you secure legal orders for your child’s safe return and advise on how best to protect their welfare.
Your child is at risk of being taken overseas from the UK without your consent (or already has been). We will act urgently to help prevent an unlawful removal or apply for their return under international legal frameworks.
Your child has been brought to England and Wales from abroad without your consent. We can assist with return proceedings and advise on your rights under the Hague Convention and UK family law.
You’ve come to England and Wales with your child and want to remain, but are unsure whether you have the other parent’s consent. We’ll provide clear guidance on the law and how to regularise your position while protecting your child.
You’ve been accused of unlawfully retaining your child abroad or not returning them to the UK after travel. We can advise you in responding to the allegations and representing your position in court.
Your ex-partner is refusing permission for travel because they believe you may not return the child. We’ll advise on how to give appropriate legal assurances and apply to the court if necessary to resolve the situation.
Whatever your situation, our team is here to listen, advise and act swiftly on your behalf. Call us today on 01282 695 400 or complete the form below to speak with a child abduction specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions for Child Abduction
+ What is the legal definition of child abduction in the UK?
Child abduction refers to taking or keeping a child under the age of 16 away from someone with legal parental responsibility, without their permission or a court order. This can include moving a child to a different part of the UK or taking them abroad without consent. Even where there is no threat or malice involved, the law treats such situations seriously to protect the child’s welfare and stability.
+ Is it child abduction if the other parent takes our child abroad without telling me?
Yes, if you share parental responsibility and your consent was not obtained, taking a child out of the UK without permission may be considered child abduction under international law. This applies even if the travel was intended to be temporary. We can help you assess the situation and, where necessary, take immediate steps to secure your child’s return through appropriate legal channels.
+ What can I do if my child has already been taken abroad without my consent?
If your child has been unlawfully taken or kept overseas, we can advise you on urgent applications under the 1980 Hague Convention, which provides a legal mechanism for securing their return in many countries. Timing is critical in these cases, so we act swiftly to protect your rights and prioritise your child’s wellbeing.
+ What is the Hague Convention and how does it apply to child abduction?
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international agreement that helps parents seek the return of children who have been wrongfully taken to, or kept in, another country without consent. Its main purpose is to protect children from the harmful effects of abduction by ensuring that disputes are dealt with in the child’s home country. If your child has been taken abroad or brought into the UK without your agreement, and the other country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, you may be able to apply for their return through a central legal process.
+ What steps can I take to prevent child abduction before it happens?
If you’re worried that your child may be taken without your consent, there are several legal and practical steps you can take to prevent it. One of the most effective is applying to the family court for a Prohibited Steps Order, which can legally prevent the other parent from removing your child from your care or taking them abroad. In urgent situations, this can be granted quickly, often within 24 hours. You may also be able to request an Airport Alert through the police, which notifies UK border officials and airports to stop your child from being taken out of the country. These alerts are typically used in conjunction with a court order and can be essential in time sensitive cases.
+ Can I stop my ex-partner from taking our child overseas?
Yes. If you are concerned about the risk of abduction, you may be able to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order, which prevents the other parent from removing the child from the UK. In urgent cases, we can help you apply for an emergency order, often within 24 hours, to prevent travel and safeguard your child.
+ What urgent legal steps can I take if I’m worried about child abduction?
If you believe your child is at immediate risk of being taken or kept unlawfully, we can act quickly to apply for a range of emergency court orders. These may include a Prohibited Steps Order (to prevent travel), a Location Order (to find out where your child is), or a Return Order (to bring your child back if they’ve already been removed). In some cases, we can apply for these within hours, ensuring urgent action is taken to protect your child. Our team will guide you through every step with calm and expert support.
+ What if I’ve brought my child to the UK and now realise I didn’t have full consent?
You may still have options. Every case is different, and your reasons for travel will be considered carefully. We can help you understand where you stand legally, and support you in resolving any issues with the other parent or the courts. Our focus will be on helping you secure the right outcome for your child while protecting your legal position.
+ Can the police or courts help if my child has been taken without permission?
Yes. If you believe your child is at risk or has been unlawfully removed, you should seek legal advice immediately. In many cases, we can help you involve the courts or the police to locate your child and take urgent action to prevent further harm. We work quickly and closely with the authorities to provide a coordinated response.
+ Can the police or international authorities help if my child has been taken abroad?
Yes. In many cases, the police and international authorities can play a vital role in locating and returning a child who has been taken without consent. If your child is still in the UK, we can work with local police forces to request an Airport Alert or ensure court orders are enforced quickly. If your child has been taken overseas, we can liaise with the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) the UK’s central authority under the Hague Convention and other official channels to initiate proceedings in the relevant country.
We have extensive experience working with the appropriate authorities in both domestic and international cases. Our team will ensure you understand each step of the process and coordinate the necessary actions to help bring your child home safely.
Contact Our Child Abduction Solicitors in Burnley
If you’re seeking guidance around child abduction, whether within the UK or internationally, our team is here to provide the clarity, reassurance and expert legal guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Our specialist Child Abduction Solicitors in Lancashire are based in Nelson, near Burnley. With extensive expertise in domestic and international family law, we are trusted by parents across England and Wales to act swiftly, sensitively and strategically to protect their children’s welfare. From emergency court applications and Prohibited Steps Orders to Hague Convention proceedings and international return requests, our team will be by your side with honest advice and responsive support.
You’ll always have direct access to a dedicated solicitor who understands your concerns and works with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your family. We assist clients with child abduction cases across Burnley, Preston, Manchester, Blackburn, Bolton and Rochdale, as well as further afield in Leeds, Huddersfield, Skipton, Keighley and beyond.
Wherever you are, we are ready to help, with clear advice, fair pricing, and a genuine commitment to doing what’s right.
To speak with one of our specialist Child Law Solicitors at Farnworth Rose, call us now on 01282 695 400 or complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
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