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Kalish Law Texas

Divorce, Probate, Business Law- The Woodlands Kalish Law

(281) 363-3700
(281) 363-3700
  • Practice Areas
    • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Divorcio
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    • Collaborative Divorce
    • Wills, Estate Planning and Probate Law
    • Business Law
    • Legal Services for Health Care Professionals
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    • Sio Ramirez Pitre
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You are here: Home / Legal Blog / Preventing International Child Abduction

Preventing International Child Abduction

November 5, 2020 By Kalish Law Office

If you think that it is a possibility that your child may be taken outside of the U.S. by a parent, guardian or family member without your permission, there are steps you can take to prevent this. Don’t wait, act now.

Be knowledgable

Know that there is not an “exit interview” to leave the U.S. Many people mistakenly believe that it would be impossible for one parent to remove a child without the permission of the other parent. They believe that all legal documentation is carefully examined before a child is allowed to get on a plane or cross an international border. They think that a child will be stopped unless s/he has both parents there, or has written permission to travel. This is not true.

Have your own legal proof

Have proof handy and available. This means that if you are the parent of the child you should have a certified birth certificate available at all times to prove it.

If you already have a court order regarding your legal rights (divorce decree, parentage decree) have that available as well.

When to seek a court order

If you don’t already have a court order, you may need one. If things have changed significantly since your last court order, you may need to update.

A court order can do the following:

  • Specify who gets access and possession of the child, and when.
  • Name non-parent conservators (if you are not the child’s parent you can be named as a non-parent conservator and given rights to the child by a court.)
  • Specify whether or not the parties to it are allowed to leave the country with the child.
  • Require the court’s approval for international travel.
  • Require that the child’s passport be held by a third party.

If you are not living with your child’s other parent (or never did), and have never had a court order regarding that child, you may need to get one.

If you already have a court order, but it does not have any provisions prohibiting international travel, you may need to get that order modified. A court order can also specify certain acceptable conditions for international travel.

Remember, if you do nothing, then the child’ s other parent (or guardian, or conservator) may have the legal right to take the child out of the country anytime they want to do so, without your permission.

What about dual citizenship?

Your child may be a dual citizen. If that is true, and their other parent is also a citizen of that foreign country, it can make the situation more difficult for you.

For instance, your child may be issued a foreign passport without your knowledge or consent.

Some countries do not recognize court orders from the U.S.

In certain situations, you may be able to contact a foreign embassy or consulate to request that you be given notice of any applications, or to state that you do not give your permission for a passport application to be made. However, this is not the case for every foreign country.

Other Steps to Take

Become familiar with the U.S. Department of State’s website regarding Prevention of Child Abduction.

Register with the “Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program” , if this applies to your situation.

Make sure you have the appropriate legal documentation, available and ready.

Have a current, valid Texas court order.

Contact a family law attorney that can help you decide how to make a plan to prevent your child being taken out of the country without your permission.

Do all you can

If you have a concern about your child being removed from the country without your consent, do not wait. Act now to make sure that you have all of the knowledge that you need, and that you are doing all that you can to prevent it.

Contact Us

We have over 35 years of experience in Texas family law. We can serve you in English and in Spanish. We can help you understand all of your options and make a plan. Check out our home page, you may be entitled to a free consultation!

“Passionate, Professional and Personal. We Make the Difference.” Kalish Law Office has been serving businesses and families since 1984.

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Filed Under: Legal Blog Tagged With: divorce and child abduction, Hague convention on child abduction, international child abduction, international travel with children, removing a child from the country without consent

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3 Grogan’s Park Dr., Ste. 200
The Woodlands, TX 77380

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Kalish Law Texas

3 Grogan's Park Dr.
Ste. 200
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Phone: 281-363-3700

Se habla español

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Kalish Law Office
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Kevin Martin
Kevin Martin
01:41 26 Feb 22
Here's some background- I'm the father of 2 fantastic kids, who’s mother is in law enforcement. I came to Sio desperate for help to modify my standard custody order in MoCo- seeking more time with my kids, more decision making authority, and the ability to hold my ex accountable to making choices that will benefit our kids and give them everything that they deserve.As a father, nobody believed this was possible. I had friends and family tell me I didn’t stand a chance. I even consulted with a different attorney once who refused my case, claiming fathers only win if there’s abuse or drugs involved. Then I found Sio…From day 1, Sio treated me as a parent- not “just a father”. Though she acknowledged that my case would be a battle, she never doubted what I was fighting for. Sio and her team were understanding and patient throughout this stressful time in my life, and took their time to help me understand the complicated family court processes. In the end, she DELIVERED. I was able to creatively modify my custody order to provide an arrangement that will truly serve my children.If you’re a good father looking to provide a good life for your kids, call Sio
Lovebug13
Lovebug13
02:37 19 Feb 22
Sio was my Lawyer her team amazing. They keep me update on any information about my case . They explained everything to me step by step. my case was successful. In any case make sure have all your documents and facts together.Thanks,Ladies and Kalish Law for all your hard work!
michelle stern
michelle stern
02:47 08 Jan 22
Sio was attentive and very responsive and supportive. I highly recommend her for any family law needs. Excellent service!
michael gordon
michael gordon
20:06 21 Dec 21
Estate planning, Last Will and Testament…Good people, professional and courteous.
Gabby Snyder
Gabby Snyder
13:36 01 Dec 21
Excellent Legal Representation, timely, efficient and very cost effective! Family based firm with strong & experienced staff of attorneys and paralegals. Mrs. Sio Petri has provided 5 star service for any of my legal needs! Our family travels from Beaumont Tx to the Woodlands because we are so impressed with this firm! Highly recommend!
Maria Colindres
Maria Colindres
01:48 01 Dec 21
I have the honor and pleasure to recommend the law firm KALISH LAW OFFICE and its incredible professional legal team. The lawyer SIO RAMIREZ PITRE is an excellent lawyer with an experience, Efficiency, responsibility, honesty and with a great professional approach that advises you at all times and In all aspects in your process, with her incredible and professional paralegal team who are constantly aware of your case in a responsible way, they are very responsible. Thank you MIRNA RAMIREZ, MAGGIE GONZALES, ADILENE RODRIGUEZ, for all your great work and legal advice and thank you Attorney SIO RAMOREZ PITRE for your dedication and commitment which exceeds all the required standards. I am more than grateful, very satisfied with your services ... May God always guide you to help all people that require your great work, it is my pleasure to give my recommendations to this great law firm Kalish Law Office and its team that is very Committed to help everyone.Thank you for all your support ..
Betty Jimenez
Betty Jimenez
22:05 12 Nov 21
Kalish Law Firm has been amazing with my legal needs.Mrs Sio Ramirez Pitre represented me for my divorce.Speacial thanks to Mrs Sio.Their team of lawyers, MR Bob Kalish and Mrs Laura Kalish as well as the entire staff, Paralegal Myrna Ramirez , Addy, and Maggie , all are efficient,,well informed,They always have the best interest in mind, the client and family in legal terms. I strongly recommend their legal skills.They will work hard for you.Thank you so much Kalish Law Firm.
Caitlyn Gambino
Caitlyn Gambino
20:06 12 Jun 21
This office was so professional, friendly, prompt, and detailed. They helped me with my issue and I will definitely contact them again for any future legal needs!
Dr Greg Alex
Dr Greg Alex
15:19 10 Jun 21
Probably the most complete and succinct law mind in the world will be working with you as they have with me. Bob Kalish He’s a consummate professional, and a winner through and through. Achieve your ends with confidence.
Marcy Halterman, D.C.
Marcy Halterman, D.C.
00:15 10 Jun 21
Kalish Law was a big help not only in aiding in the preparation to sell a business, but also with making sure all the dots were crossed for our estate planning needs. They make sure you understand everything and exhibit a true desire to make sure they have taken care of your legal needs. I recommend them highly!
Nancy Poblenz
Nancy Poblenz
22:55 06 Jun 21
Firm handled wills for my husband and me -they were knowledgable and answered all our questions very patiently. Bob Kalish and his team also advised us on need for durable power of attorney and guided us through the process of considering end of life issues such as DNR. Overall, very pleased with the service, the turnaround time for our documents was excellent and they were prepared exactly as we wanted.
L Fisher
L Fisher
00:40 21 Aug 20
I don't recommend Kalish Law to represent you in your divorce hearing. My case was dismissed for numerous reasons. Paperwork not being filed on time, and a missed notary seal. I never once received in a yr and half an invoice. After requesting a refund, her team sent me a bill for almost 8k! DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM! My money was completely wasted. Oh let us not forget my child support was also dismissed as well. AGAIN DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM!
Andrea Lau Luarca
Andrea Lau Luarca
21:22 28 Aug 19
I used Kalish Law Services I believe a year or two ago. Sio, represented me during my child support/visitation with the father of my children that was highly difficult. She discussed all the possibilities and was very explanatory on how the process would go. She was straight forward and to the point. No time wasted. I was very pleased in how my experience went with everything and the great communication sio and her staff had with me. I would use their services again if the opportunity did arise. I do highly recommend them. They are so great.
Steve Horn
Steve Horn
15:10 05 Aug 19
Bob Kalish and his team worked hard to help me with my issues.
Ashley Gonzalez
Ashley Gonzalez
22:13 15 Jun 17
Sio has been representing me for the past year and a half. She has been understanding and has truly gone above and beyond for me and my children. I would highly recommend her for any family court cases you may have going on. Sio is the best when it comes to standing up and defending her clients. Her assistants Ann and Myrna have also been wonderful answering all of my questions and emails right away. Thank you guys so much!
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