Helping Reunite Children Under the Hague Convention
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a treaty that governs the laws surrounding international parental abduction. The treaty's goals are "securing the prompt return of children wrongfully removed" to another country and "ensuring that the rights of custody and of access under the laws" of one nation are respected by other countries. This treaty is a valuable legal tool for parents seeking the return of a child under the age of 16 who have been unlawfully taken to another country. Attorney Linda Shay Gardner is an authority in returning children who have been unlawfully taken out of the United States by a parent, as well as those involving children brought to the United States from other countries. Linda Shay Gardner also has expertise in working with countries who do not recognize the Hague Convention, where other remedies will need to be considered.
Prosecuting Child Abduction Cases Under the Hague Convention
If your child has been taken by the other parent to another country or brought to the Untied States from another country, you must file a Petition for the Return of a Child Under the Hague Convention. This petition is very document-intensive and should be filed immediately. In order to file the petition, the assistance of a lawyer in the United States and a lawyer in the country where your child was taken is important in assuring the proper procedures are followed so that your case receives the necessary attention it deserves in court. Linda Shay Gardner has worked on cases in almost 50 countries, and will work with lawyers and law enforcement agencies internationally in order to secure the return of your child.
If you are able to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that your child was unlawfully abducted, the other parent will be obligated to return your child. Linda Shay Gardner will coordinate with law enforcement agencies and lawyers in the country where your child was taken in order to facilitate your child's return. Of course, there are no guarantees, and as a result it is very important that you retain the services of an attorney who is able to best respond to any defenses that are raised to the return of a child.
Some criminal remedies may also be available to you in such cases, and Linda Shay Gardner will work with law enforcement regarding these remedies.
A Depth of Experience in Child Abduction Law Few Attorneys Can Match
Linda Shay Gardner has worked on or advised on approximately 200 international and interstate child abduction cases. Governmental Agencies and private organizations regularly rely on her focused knowledge on child abduction issues. She serves on numerous advisory committees and panels, and is regularly interviewed or cited in both print and electronic media on this topic. She has also been called to testify as an expert to educate the Court on this novel area of the law.
Contact Gardner Law Office Today • 610-228-4626 • 888-392-3518
Linda Shay Gardner is nearly unrivaled in her experience helping parents reunite with children who have been unlawfully abducted by another parent. Based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the firm represents clients nationally and internationally. Time is truly of the essence in cases involving parental abduction. If your child has been abducted, contact the child abduction law attorneys at Gardner Law Office by e-mail or call 610-228-4626 or toll free at 888-392-3518.
