ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

3.4 Separation, Annulment, and Divorce

Custody

What legal remedies are available if a parent abducts a child?

Abduction of a child by a parent is a crime under state laws and, under certain circumstances, may also be a federal offense. Local police, state police, and in some cases the FBI can help in locating missing children. Parents who abduct their children can also be forced to pay the expenses incurred by the other parent in trying to find and return the child. To recover such expenses, a parent would probably need the help of a private lawyer.

If a parent with custody fears that the other parent will abduct the child, he or she should immediately consult a lawyer.