Immediate actions after confirming abduction

Once you have confirmation, sustain momentum and coordinate across agencies.

48–72 hour plan

• Submit the Hague application with all required documents (birth certificate, custody order, proof of habitual residence).
• Coordinate with the receiving country’s Central Authority for service and enforcement.
• Secure interim orders (travel restrictions, production of child, mirror orders where applicable).
• Establish a case file: timeline, contacts, document registry, expense log.

Ongoing management

• Maintain weekly updates with your counsel and the Central Authority.
• Protect your communications; avoid escalation and stick to evidence.
• Consider mediation where authorized and safe.