Although it might be a surprise to many, the most common form of child abduction in the United States is parental kidnapping. Sadly, parental kidnapping in Oklahoma occurs. The following is insight from a proven Tulsa Divorce Lawyer on parental kidnapping
Oklahoma Family Lawyers, sitting from left to right, James R. Elder, Aaron D. Bundy, M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.
What is parental kidnapping?
Parental kidnapping transpires when one parent or guardian deprives the other of his or her legal right to visitation or custody by taking that child out of his or her jurisdiction. This act is illegal through the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, which works in accord with Oklahoma and other state laws.
While many abducted children are taken to another state, if a child is taken out of the country, the situation becomes much more complicated due to linguistic, legal and jurisdictional difficulties. One important resource to consult and take advantage of is the U.S. Department of State which provides an extensive amount of detailed information on international child abductions. One of the components that come out of a divorce is that a custody order is entered. In regards to this custody order, these are a few things you need to remember in regards to it:
1. Be sure to retain multiple certified copies of the custody order from the court
2. To deter the other parent from taking the child abroad, you can request the court to require the parent to post bond, especially if that parent has significant ties to a foreign country
3. Your custody orders can also include a statement that does not allow for the child to travel abroad with your permission or the court’s permission
Should you have any additional concerns or questions in regards to parental kidnapping in Oklahoma or international child abduction, you should immediately contact the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer.