Bill is a step forward in international child custody issues
Nevada readers have likely heard of a few child custody cases in recent years in which one parent took the children out of the country without the other parent’s consent. Sadly, it is often difficult for the parent who is left behind to get any visitation or custody rights, since other countries do not have to honor court orders issued here in the United States. Recently, a bill was introduced in the House that is intended to improve diplomatic negotiations in international child custody matters.
If the bill passes, it would mean that the president is required to sanction countries that are non-compliant in international child custody disputes. The effectiveness of this type of negotiation is largely dependent on that country participating in the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This is a multi-national agreement that provides a protocol for all participating countries to follow in child custody issues.
In one current dispute, a former Marine lost his daughter and son when his wife obtained passports that were issued illegally and took them to Japan. While he continues the legal fight to see his children, he has gone before Congress twice since 2010 to urge the government to get more involved in his case and others. According to reports, the bill is now expected to have bipartisan support in the House.
If the bill becomes a law, it may not do much to resolve this man’s case and other existing child custody disputes. However, some feel it is a step in the right direction, and time will tell if more parents will be able to reunite with their children. Nevada parents facing their own complex child custody issues may find it beneficial to seek legal assistance. Emotions run high where children are concerned, so having the guidance of an objective third party may provide some comfort and peace of mind.
Source: NorthJersey.com, Bill may help ‘left-behind parents’ in global child custody fights, Herb Jackson, Dec. 11, 2013
