Child Abduction and Relocation
Taking your child away from their home
If you are divorced or separated and your former partner wants to take your child on holiday or to live abroad or elsewhere in the UK with them, then they are able to do so. But they must have obtained consent from the relevant parties and can only be away for a limited time period.
Under the Child Abduction Act 1984, it is a criminal offence to take a child abroad without first obtaining the permission of everyone else who has parental responsibility for that child.
Do I need permission?
If you are the parent that the child lives with and there is a Child Arrangements Order-live with or Residence Order in place, then you do not need permission from any other person with parental responsibility for the child to take your child abroad for up to 28 days. However, it is still advisable to seek their approval.
If you are a Special Guardian for a child, then you do not need permission from any other person with parental responsibility for the child to take the child abroad for up to 3 months.
How do I stop my ex taking my child away?
If you and your former partner cannot agree on holiday arrangements for your child or in relation to your child moving to live abroad or relocating within the UK, then an application for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order can be made to court. The court will regard the welfare of the child as the most important factor and make a decision based on what is in your child’s best interests
If you believe:
- your ex-partner is planning to take your child abroad or elsewhere in the UK without your consent
- or they have already done so
- or if you want to take your child abroad and your ex-partner does not consent
– our child care team can help.
We have considerable experience in advising parents in relation to child relocation and child abduction cases. We appreciate the urgency surrounding these types of situations and will act swiftly and efficiently whilst making sure you understand the complex laws and processes involved.
Why use Rothera Bray for child relocation issues?
We are members of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme (also known as the Children Panel).
We can advise on international child abduction cases, including certain arrangements, agreements and International Treaties that apply depending on where your child has been taken.
We can help in both situations where a child has been taken out of the UK and situations where a child has been brought into the UK.
We can assist in putting a Prohibited Steps Order in place to prevent your ex-partner from taking your child out of the country without your permission.
We can assist by applying for a Specific Issue Order if you would like permission to take your child abroad.
We can help with Hague Convention applications.
We can also apply to the court to have your child’s passport or the passport of your ex-partner surrendered.
We can advise you on the different methods available to resolve your situation including alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
We can help you with:
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
- Hague Convention applications
Send us a message
“Our aim is promote the best outcomes for your children, while protecting your rights as a parent.”
Sarah Gill
Partner
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Posted 10 February 2026
Emma Adcock was absolutely superb during my divorce and subsequently during a prolonged and difficult house sale in which she endeavoured to get the right and just outcome for me. I would never use any other solicitor or solicitors firm for any legal challenges that may come along in the future. I cannot say enough great things about Emma or the firm Rothera Bray. Thank you so much.
Michael F
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Posted 10 February 2026
Both Grace and Ellie from the Derby team have been absolutely incredible, they’ve kept me updated at every stage of the conveyancing process and have been so thorough. They’ve both been on hand to answer any questions I’ve had throughout and have worked so hard to get us so close to completion in impeccable timing. They’ve made the whole process as stress free as possible and I couldn’t recommend them high enough. Such an amazing team. Thanks so much Grace and Ellie.
Stacey Redfern
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Posted 10 February 2026
Many thanks Toby for your professional and expertise in dealing with our late father's estate. We were kept updated at every stage and guided throughout. We highly recommend Rothera Bray.
Deborah Keen
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Really helpful and easy to communicate with, very thorough and just generally made the whole experience less stressful than it could easily have been. Can't recommend enough.
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Great communication and patience throughout the process.
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Posted 7 February 2026
I've had business with Rothera Bray over the years for conveyancing, probate, wills and LPA; thank you to Sarah Soo and others in the teams. All have been excellent experiences. The most recent business, with Ed Granger of their trust department, was up to their usual 5 star standard. Of note is the care taken to highlight any potential issues and the processes to be followed subsequently, not forgetting the timely responses to queries.
Kate Autaury
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Posted 4 February 2026
Russell Thompson is an outstanding solicitor to work with. He is highly knowledgeable, meticulous in his approach, and consistently delivers clear, practical advice. Russell combines professionalism with genuine care for his clients, and his integrity and responsiveness set him apart. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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Posted 4 February 2026
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Posted 4 February 2026
We recently instructed Abbey Freeman at Rothera Bray to act as our conveyancer when moving house, and I honestly can’t recommend her highly enough. She was efficient, knowledgeable, and always quick to respond to any questions. Her attention to detail and calm approach made the whole process far less stressful than expected. Her paralegal Luisa was also absolutely brilliant, knowledgeable and approachable. Excellent service from start to finish. Thank you Abbey and Luisa!
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Posted 3 February 2026
I recently went through the process of selling my late mother’s house and chose Rothera Bray for conveyancing support. From start to finish, the team were exceptionally supportive, always on hand to answer my questions and guide me through each stage. Communication throughout the process was outstanding. The team kept me well-informed and responded to any queries promptly and clearly, which really put my mind at ease during what could have been a stressful time. Thanks to their professionalism and dedication, the whole experience was made simple and straightforward. I would highly recommend Rothera Bray to anyone needing conveyancing support – their service was truly excellent.
Anonymous
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Posted 3 February 2026
Spoke to Ed Granger for some advice, he really helped us understand the issue we had. He was honest and knowledgeable, putting our minds at rest. He explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Very helpful, would definitely get in touch for any future requirements.
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Posted 2 February 2026
We had a good experience with Rothera Bray. They helped us to update our Wills. They explained all the available options in a clear, understandable and patient manner and included diagrams to give a pictorial explanation. They also gave us scenarios for the options to enable us to see the pros and cons for each option and to help us decide which options would best suit our current needs. We would recommend Rothera Bray for clear, professional, legal advice.
Wills clients
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.
David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.
Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.
Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.
Skyler Broadhead
Managing Paralegal
Skyler Broadhead is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray Solicitors’ Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.
Lucy Famakinwa
Paralegal
Lucy Famakinwa is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Hannah Lilley
Paralegal
Hannah Lilley is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices. Hannah specialises in care proceedings and private children law matters.
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