We encourage parents to consult with an attorney. Whether you fear your child will be abducted, has been abducted to or wrongfully retained in the United States, an attorney can help you. Attorneys can explain your legal options. They also can provide valuable guidance and advice in these cases. This is also true if you are seeking access to your child in the United States.

If a child has been abducted to the United States from a Hague Abduction Convention country:

Organizations that may help you find an attorney:

• State bar associations are listed here.
• The American Bar Association's lawyer referral map/directory is available here
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) available here
• International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) available here
• Foreign Embassy/Consulates: In some cases, foreign embassies and consulates can help. They may have a list of attorneys that work in the United States or their home country. 

Organizations that may provide legal services for free or for a reduced fee:

• Legal aid offices funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). To find a legal aid office in your state click here. Pursuant to 45 CFR 1626.10(e), LSC grantees may provide legal assistance to indigent foreign nationals who seek assistance pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Federal implementing statute, the International Child Abduction Remedies Act, provided that they are otherwise financially eligible.
• The Hague Domestic Violence Project available here.
• Law School Clinics: A law school in your area may operate a law clinic able to help.
• U.S. Department of Defense legal assistance. If you are a member of the armed services or a family member, you may be eligible for legal assistance. Contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or click here.

The organizations and resources listed above are not in any way affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the organizations and/or resources listed below. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Department of State. Information is subject to change at any time, without notice.

Mediation

Mediation is when two parties agree to work with a trained, impartial professional to come to an agreement. Mediation can take many different forms. It may depend on the location of the parties, the context of the dispute, and the preferences of the parties and mediator(s). You can find more information on mediation here.

Other Useful Links: 

• Hague Abduction Convention
• Legal Representation Options and Procedures in the United States
• Find Resources in Your State