Legal Help for Cross-Border Family Matters

When child custody crosses international borders, the legal, emotional, and logistical complexities increase dramatically. It’s critical to act swiftly and with experienced legal guidance.

At Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP, we represent parents in international custody disputes involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and other international custody laws. We understand the urgency, the stakes, and the intricate interplay between U.S. and foreign legal systems. We are here to help you protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being, no matter where in the world the dispute begins.

What Is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention is a multilateral treaty designed to protect children from international abduction by a parent or guardian. It provides a legal process to return children to their country of habitual residence when they have been wrongfully removed or retained across international borders.

Key points of the Hague Convention include:

• It applies only between countries that are signatories to the treaty

• The child must be under the age of 16

• The removal or retention must violate custody rights under the law of the country of habitual residence

• The petition for return must generally be filed within one year of the wrongful removal or retention

The Convention does not decide custody rights, it simply determines the appropriate jurisdiction in which custody should be litigated. Timing, documentation, and legal arguments are critical.

When You May Need Help Under the Hague Convention

You may have a Hague Convention case if:

• Your child was taken out of the United States without your permission and is now in another Hague-signatory country

• Your child is in the U.S., but another parent is seeking their return to a foreign country

• You are being falsely accused of wrongful removal or retention

• You are involved in a cross-border custody dispute involving conflicting court orders from different countries

We represent both petitioning parents (seeking return) and defending parents (contesting return) in Hague Convention matters and related international custody cases.

Act Quickly—Time Is Not on Your Side

International custody matters require urgent attention. Delays can affect whether the court will hear your case at all, and may even influence how the court evaluates the child's adjustment to their new environment.

At Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP, we move quickly to file petitions or responses, coordinate with international counsel and authorities, and gather the necessary factual and legal documentation to support your position.

Our firm brings together deep experience in high-conflict custody litigation with a sophisticated understanding of international law. We provide:

• Strategic legal planning tailored to your child’s country of residence and your goals

• Filing and defending Hague petitions in federal and state courts

• Clear, candid advice to help you make urgent decisions under pressure

Whether you are trying to bring your child home, prevent an unlawful removal, or resolve a custody dispute across borders, our team is ready to act with urgency and skill.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

If your child has been taken or kept in violation of a custody agreement, or if you're defending against such a claim, do not wait. Contact Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP today to schedule a private consultation. We’re here to help you take immediate, decisive legal action to protect your family and secure the best possible outcome.