It could be a criminal offence. It depends on the law of the country to which you are taking the child.

In the Netherlands the withdrawal of parental custody is a criminal offence (art. 279 Criminal Code). If, without having custody or if there is a joint custody arrangement, you take your child to your own or another country without the permission of the other parent, you are committing a criminal offence. Even though it may not feel like abduction, legally it may well be seen in those terms.

To find out whether or not child abduction to another country is a punishable offence you will have to contact a lawyer in the country concerned. The Centre has contacts with international lawyers who have experience with international child abduction cases. Please contact us if you need a lawyer.

For more information go to: You have returned to the Netherlands with your child.