Parental Kidnapping in a Modern World

At first glance, it may seem impossible that a parent could kidnap their own child. However, in today’s world of bi-continental relationships and international family ties, this complicated issue arises more than one may think. Some statistics indicate that in reality, thousands of children are removed from this country every year by parents without the legal authority to do so. This offense can carry significant consequences in both the criminal and family court systems, and someone accused of such a crime may even find themselves caught in a complicated web of severe international legal troubles.

In just the last month, our firm represented a father who faced felony kidnapping charges and was eventually detained overseas by Interpol after winding up on an FBI watch list for leaving the country with his two young children many years ago. Through diligent effort and careful legal expertise, our attorneys were able to work with authorities in both the United States and abroad to successfully negotiate this complex case to the mutual satisfaction of all parties involved.

Parental kidnapping occurs when one parent leaves the state or the country with their minor children without the consent of the other parent, or without the proper custody order in place prior to departure. Sometimes a parent’s intentions may be malicious, or other times they truly may feel they have their children’s best interests at heart. But in either case, taking your kids out of the country, or even the state, without the necessary consent of the courts or the other parent can cause major detriments that may affect you and your family for years to come. Consult with an attorney before making any major moves with your children if you are unsure of your rights.

Navigating your way through the complex world of the both family and criminal court system can be both challenging and confusing. If you need advice from an experienced criminal or family law attorney regarding your rights, the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz can help. Please give us a call today and schedule your free consultation at 248-557-3645.