The Hague Convention only applies if both countries involved are signatories. If not, different legal routes must be explored. See information from each country's government for alternatives.

Even with a full custody, a UK care order or if fleeing danger, international custody disputes under Hague rules may still arise, potentially resulting in a child being removed from one parent.

Many parents don’t realise that a trip abroad without the other parent’s permission might be unlawful. This is especially important for separated families, where one parent may take the child on holiday without consent and the other parent may apply for the child’s return under the Convention, sparking a Hague case.

Over 100 countries, including the UK, USA, and EU member states, have signed the Hague Convention. You can find the full list on the Hague Conference website (HCCH) .

The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. The treaty aims to return children under 16 to their habitual residence if they are wrongfully taken or kept across borders without both parent’s consent. The definition of habitual residence is not clearly defined and can vary between countries.

While the Hague Convention is designed to protect from harm, its application can result in complex, emotionally distressing and financially straining international legal cases.