When a child is illegally taken or concealed from a parent—whether within Minnesota, elsewhere in the United States, or to another country—it is an exceptionally stressful and frightening experience. Best & Flanagan’s Family Law team takes immediate action to ensure swift, safe return of the child and to minimize the effects of trauma on both child and parent.

Our attorneys work closely with clients to evaluate what steps should be taken in these difficult situations. We partner with private investigators and law enforcement to locate the child, as well as mental health professionals to craft solutions that are in the child’s best interests. We strive for amicable resolution directly between parents, but when that is not possible, we are prepared to advocate for our client in court. 

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction may apply if the child has been taken to a country that is a signatory to that treaty. We work with the U.S. State Department to place appropriate alerts on passports, locate professional assistance in the other country, and take every step possible to ensure the child’s safe return.

We are also skilled at foreseeing potential pitfalls when negotiating divorce or custody agreements where there may be a heightened risk of parental abduction. There is much that can be done to mitigate the risks while ensuring the child’s best interests are met.