CALA - Child Abduction Lawyers Association

We are delighted to confirm that our Duty Scheme for the year ahead is now live. It is accessible here:  childabductionlawyers.org.uk/duty-advocates… in addition to the list of Duty Solicitors, we have been able to secure the assistance of counsel who have also agreed to be part of a rota.

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of James Turner KC, a true hero of international children law whose dedication has shaped the lives of countless children and families worldwide: linkedin.com/posts/calauk_c…

R (Child Abduction: Parent's Refusal to Accompany) [2024] EWCA Civ 1296 (30 October 2024): Appeal from refusal of father's application for the summary return of children to France. Appeal dismissed. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/…

MAS v ZK & Ors [2024] EWHC 1939 (Fam) (19 July 2024): Judgment containing guidance regarding the return of a young person to this country, where she had fled her parents whilst abroad, claiming to be at risk of a forced marriage. caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/fam/2024/…

A v M & Ors [2024] EWHC 2020 (Fam) (31 July 2024): Application by stepfather for parental responsibility in respect of two children. Parental responsibility order made in relation to younger child. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

Y (Failure to Clarify Immigration Status), Re [2024] EWFC 159 (01 July 2024): Application asking the court to request the Secretary of State to grant British citizenship to a child who was placed with her maternal aunt under a SGO in 2022. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/…

HR (Parallel Child Abduction and Asylum Proceedings), Re [2024] EWHC 1626 (Fam) (28 June 2024): Application by F for summary return of children to USA. Judgment includes discussion of interplay between 1980 Hague Convention proceedings & asylum claims. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

E v The Child and Family Agency of Ireland & Ors [2024] EWHC 1778 (Fam) (09 July 2024): Appeal by young person against the recognition and enforcement of an Irish Special Care Order, authorising his detention in a special care unit. Appeal dismissed. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

D, Re (Wardship: Jurisdiction: Cutting Across Statutory Schemes) [2024] EWFC 126 (26 June 2024): Application by M to set aside orders made on application of LA in wardship proceedings relating to the return of a child from Iraq. Orders set aside. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/…

B v C & Anor [2024] EWFC 138 (B) (18 April 2024): Care proceedings concerning 14 month old child born in Hungary, of Hungarian parents. Held that it would be in best interests of child to request the Hungarian authorities to assume jurisdiction. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/…

G and H, Re (Children: Return to Ghana) [2024] EWHC 1453 (Fam) (14 June 2024): Application by father under inherent jurisdiction for return of children to Ghana. Return ordered. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

A (Minors), Re [2023] EWHC 3537 (Fam) (22 November 2023): Application by father for summary return of child to Ireland. Protective measures considered sufficient to address risk of harm, and return ordered. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

C, Re [2024] EWHC 1433 (Fam) (12 June 2024): Application by man claiming to be father of child for an order under the inherent jurisdiction for the return of child from Pakistan. Application dismissed. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

Our speakers are: ·       Marisa Cullen, Family Law Matters Scotland ·       Emmett Maginn, Caldwell & Robinson, Northern Ireland ·       Barbara Corbett, Corbett Le Quesne, Jersey.

CALA Spring Seminar: Intra UK abduction matters: a view from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey - on Wednesday 29 May 2024 at 5:45pm. Register & obtain tickets here: childabductionlawyers.org.uk/event-details/…

N (A Child) (Ukraine: Art. 13 (b)), Re [2024] EWHC 871 (Fam) (17 April 2024): Application by F for return of child to Ukraine. Found that living in town proposed by F was grave risk of harm. Adjourned for F to provide evidence of where else child may live. caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/fam/2024/…

R v M & Ors (Hague Convention; Withdrawal of Application and Art. 16 (Parental Responsibility)) [2024] EWHC 720 (Fam) (19 March 2024): Application by step-father for return of children to New Zealand. Leave given to withdraw application. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…

It's back and bigger than ever! Big thank you to all the solicitors and counsel for volunteering for this year's @CALA_org duty rota!

Y & K, Re (Children: Summary Return Application: Asylum) [2024] EWHC 555 (Fam) (12 March 2024): Application by F for return of children to Germany under inherent jurisdiction, where M had come to this country on a migrant boat. Application dismissed. bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/…