Child Abduction

1KBW is widely acknowledged as a leading set in International Child Abduction cases. We have a highly experienced team of silks and juniors who practice in this exceptionally specialised field. Members of our team have been involved in numerous leading cases (often against each other).

Child Abduction Barristers from 1KBW have appeared as leading and junior counsel in many of the key English child abduction cases before the Supreme Court, for example:

• Re E (Children) [2011] UKSC 27
• Re S (A child) [2012] UKSC 10
• Re A (A Child) [2013] UKSC 60
• Re L (Texas) [2013] UKSC 75
• Re LC (Children) [2014] UKSC 1

We also have experience of acting in European child abduction cases.  A member of our team was involved in the landmark decision of: Proceedings brought by A (Case C-523/07). Members of Chambers are regularly instructed on behalf of ‘Reunite’, in support of its interventions in the leading cases.

Our expertise

As populations become more diverse and migration increases, proceedings issued under the 1980 Hague Convention (or the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court) are increasingly common.

1KBW has one of the largest and most experienced international child abduction teams in London, comprising specialist counsel at every level, including King’s Counsel.

We recognise that child abduction is a demanding area of practice, in which cases develop quickly and almost invariably require urgent attention from our barristers and our clerking team. We hold regular internal updates and seminars to ensure that all members of our team are up-to-speed with the latest developments in child abduction law. In addition to our annual child abduction conference (which enjoys a national reputation), members of chambers regularly give external seminars in this field. Our areas of expertise include the following:

• Incoming and outgoing international children law cases under the 1980 Hague Convention
• Securing emergency injunctions and port alerts
• Returns under the inherent jurisdiction
• Enforcement of foreign orders under Brussels II Revised
• Enforcement under the 1996 Hague Convention
• Enforcement under the 1980 European Convention
• Wardship cases
• Applications based upon the Parens Patriae jurisdiction
• Child abductions involving Scotland, Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories
• Internal child abductions
• Securing rights of access
• Forum disputes, including stays under the Family Law Act 1986
• Representing children in proceedings

If you would like to discuss your requirements with one of 1KBW’s International Child Abduction barristers then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our clerking team who will be more than happy to assist with your enquiry.