Practice area
Disputes over children
The child's place of residence, contact arrangements, documents, travel, retention and protection of the child's interests in an international context.
When this applies
The parents disagree on the country of residence
Contact with the child is restricted
Travel or documents need to be arranged
There is a conflict with the guardianship authority or the court
What the lawyer does
Structures the facts around the child's interests
Prepares evidence of care and bond
Formulates the claims
Supports court and out-of-court steps
What to have ready
The child's documents
School and medical records
Correspondence and contact schedules
Information on housing and income
Where it usually goes wrong
Escalation of the conflict
Breach of interim injunctions
Insufficient evidence
Errors in international documents
FAQ
Questions and answers
- How is it decided which parent the child will live with?
- The court is guided by the child's interests: living conditions, attachment, each parent's involvement and the stability of the environment. Evidence of care and bond matters, not merely the parties' wishes.
- Can a contact schedule with the child be established or changed?
- Yes, including for cross-border situations — schedule, video calls, holidays, accompaniment when travelling. Reasoning and evidence are required.
- What should be done if the other parent unlawfully retains the child?
- Urgently record the facts, assess whether the Hague Convention applies and the return mechanisms, gather evidence and identify the competent authority. Speed matters here.
Consultation
Discuss your situation
Briefly describe the situation, the countries involved and any deadlines. The fee and format are agreed before the consultation.
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