International Custody
International Custody Attorneys Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio
Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.
Few things are more stressful than discovering your child has been taken across international borders or that a foreign court is interfering with your parental rights. These cases are emotional, urgent, and legally complex. You may feel like you’re navigating two different legal systems at once, with no clear roadmap to get your child back or protect your parenting role.
At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we help Ohio parents assert, defend, and recover their custody rights in cross-border disputes. Whether you’re seeking the return of your child under the Hague Convention or trying to prevent an unlawful relocation, we step in with clarity and determination. You don’t have to face international custody battles alone.
What Is an
International Custody Case?
An international custody case arises when one parent takes or keeps a child outside the United States in violation of custody rights or court orders. These cases are emotionally and legally complex, often involving multiple countries and courts.
They typically include:
- A parent removing a child to another country without consent
- Keeping a child abroad beyond the agreed parenting schedule
- Conflicting custody orders from a foreign court
- Requests to relocate internationally with a child
- Efforts to return a child brought into Ohio from another country
Many of these cases fall under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which provides a legal framework for returning children wrongfully removed or retained across borders.
Because the legal process often depends on treaties, jurisdictional rules, and federal procedures, it's essential to work with someone who understands which court has authority and what tools are available to protect your rights.
Family Law
Experienced Lawyers in Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal, Traffic, Bankruptcy, Business, Personal Injury, Civil and Education Law.
What We Can Do for You
International custody issues demand fast filings, technical precision, and coordination with courts and agencies across jurisdictions. We provide a stable, knowledgeable approach during this high-conflict time to protect your parental rights, support your child’s safety, and guide you through every legal step with clarity.
Evaluate Jurisdiction and Treaty Protections
We review your case under the Hague Convention and U.S. law to determine whether a return petition or jurisdictional challenge is appropriate. We assess treaty membership, legal residency, and custodial status.
File a Hague Petition or Defend Against One
If your child was wrongfully taken to or from the United States, we can prepare and file a Hague Petition for Return in federal or state court. We also represent parents who are defending against return requests, especially where abuse, safety, or consent is an issue.
Coordinate with Government Agencies and Courts
We work with the U.S. State Department’s Office of Children’s Issues, foreign consulates, and central authorities to support international filings, service of process, and enforcement.
Enforce or Prevent International Relocation
If a parent plans to move abroad with your child, we can seek emergency orders to stop the relocation or negotiate a plan that protects your rights. If you are seeking to relocate for valid reasons, we prepare the legal foundation needed for court approval.
Protect You Without Judgment
International custody disputes often follow difficult breakups, cultural disagreements, or personal crises. We do not judge your path to this moment. We focus on moving forward and making sure you are not left behind in another legal system.
When to Call a International Custody Attorney
International cases move fast, and the longer a child remains in another country, the harder it can be to enforce your rights. If you are worried about an unauthorized move, have already lost access to your child, or have received legal papers from a foreign court, call us immediately. We will take action before jurisdiction or time limits work against you. Our attorneys are ready to step in, provide guidance, and protect your legal standing from day one.
Tell Us About You And Your Situation
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hague Convention?
It is a treaty that helps parents recover children who have been wrongfully taken to or kept in another country. It applies only to certain countries and only if both nations are members.
Can I stop the other parent from moving my child abroad?
Yes. You can seek a court order blocking international travel or require the posting of a bond or other safeguards. We help you take legal steps before the move happens.
Do I have to travel to another country for court?
Not always. In some cases, we can appear locally, submit evidence remotely, or work with international agencies. We will advise you on the logistics and your rights.
What happens if my child is already in another country?
We assess whether a return petition is possible under international law. We prepare the paperwork, file the petition, and coordinate enforcement with federal and international authorities.
Do U.S. custody orders apply in other countries?
Sometimes. Many countries honor foreign custody orders, but it depends on the treaty status and the facts of your case. We help you determine what orders can be enforced abroad or recognized here in Ohio.
