On Friday 24 January 2014 Japan signed the Hague Convention. The Convention will enter into force for Japan on 1 April 2014.

This means it will, after this date, be possible to bring an application through the Hague Convention, in appropriate circumstances, for the return of a child and related orders if a child has been unilaterally removed from Australia to Japan. The aim of the Hague Convention, broadly, is to secure the prompt return of an abducted child to his or her home country. Read more…

As indicated on our website, there are Government information points that you can access that provide information on bringing, or responding to, a Hague Convention Application including the Attorney General’s Department website at http://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Families/InternationalFamilyLaw/.

We here at Lopes Family Law are able to assist you if you have a child abduction/Hague matter, by providing you with advice as to the steps you will need to take in bringing such a claim and also making you aware of the resources, including mediation and support services, that may be of assistance in your case.

Jason Lopes also represented a client in a successful defence of a Hague Convention Application (that was eventually withdrawn by the Central Authority) in 2012.

Published July 6th 2014