If the children have been abducted within Australia, the Family Law Act 1975 applies.

Australia, and many other countries, are signatories to the Civil Aspects of International Abduction, otherwise known as the 'Hague Convention'.

If a child has been taken to Australia, or from Australia, to another signatory country, then the Hague Convention applies. The Hague Convention aims to secure the prompt return of the child to his or her home country.

In cases where the child has been abducted to a country that is not a signatory, obtaining the return of the child will require an application to the courts in that Country.

See our factsheets on:

• Relocation of children
• The Hague Application on international abduction of children