Nationwide Hague Convention & International Child Abduction

When a child is wrongfully taken or retained across international borders, the legal and emotional stakes are incredibly high. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we represent parents across the United States in complex, high-stakes child custody disputes governed by the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

We represent both left-behind parents seeking the return of their children to their country of habitual residence, and respondent parents defending against Hague return petitions. These are fast-moving cases that require a deep understanding of international law, federal litigation, and cross-border enforcement — and our firm is one of the few with real experience in this highly specialized area.

What Is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that provides a legal process for returning children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside their country of habitual residence. The Convention applies between the United States and more than 100 other nations, including Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most of Europe.

If your case falls under the Hague Convention, it will typically be litigated in U.S. federal district court, not in state family court. These cases move quickly and demand urgent legal action.

We Represent Petitioners and Respondents in Hague Cases Nationwide

For Petitioners (Left-Behind Parents):

If your child was wrongfully taken from your home country to the United States, or wrongfully retained here after a visit, we can help you:

• File a petition for return in U.S. federal court
• Prove habitual residence and wrongful removal under the Convention
• Navigate exceptions such as the “grave risk of harm” defense
• Coordinate with your home country’s central authority or local counsel
• Work efficiently with interpreters, expert witnesses, and immigration counsel

For Respondents (Parents Facing Return Petitions):

If you have been served with a Hague Convention petition and are facing return proceedings, we can help you:

• Raise and argue applicable defenses (grave risk of harm, child’s objection, consent/acquiescence)
• Gather psychological, medical, or safety evidence to support your position
• Protect your parental rights while complying with the court’s deadlines and procedures
• Coordinate parallel custody proceedings where appropriate
• Mitigate potential immigration or custody consequences

Why Choose The Bonderud Law Firm?

• Experienced Federal Litigator – Attorney Andrew Bonderud has litigated Hague Convention return petitions in federal court and understands how to navigate these procedurally complex cases with precision and urgency.
• Nationwide Representation – We accept Hague cases across the United States and appear in federal district courts nationwide as lead counsel or pro hac vice.
• Strategic, Fast-Moving Advocacy – Hague cases are time-sensitive by design. We act fast to investigate, file or respond, and prepare for evidentiary hearings.
• Sensitivity and Discretion – These matters are deeply personal. We provide clear legal guidance with respect, professionalism, and compassion.

Countries Commonly Involved in Our Cases

We represent clients in cases involving children wrongfully taken from or to the United States involving countries such as:

• Mexico
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Italy
• France
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Japan
• Australia
• Israel
• South Korea

(And any other Hague Convention signatory nation.)

📍 Based in Florida. Representing Clients Nationwide.

No matter where in the U.S. your case is filed — or where you and your child are located — we are prepared to assist. We are available to serve as lead counsel, co-counsel, or federal litigation consultants in Hague Convention cases across the country.

📞 Call (904) 438-8082 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.