Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985

1985 CHAPTER 60

An Act to enable the United Kingdom to ratify two international Conventions relating respectively to the civil aspects of international child abduction and to the recognition and enforcement of custody decisions.

[25th July 1985]

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Commencement Information

I1 Act not in force at Royal Assent see s. 29(2); Act wholly in force at 1.8.1986

Part I U.K. International Child Abduction

1 The Hague Convention. U.K.

(1) In this Part of this Act “the Convention” means the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction which was signed at The Hague on 25th October 1980.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, the provisions of that Convention set out in Schedule 1 to this Act shall have the force of law in the United Kingdom.

[F1 (3) But–

(a) those provisions of the Convention;

(b) this Part of this Act; and

(c) rules of court under section 10 of this Act,

are subject to Article 60 of the Council Regulation (by virtue of which the Regulation takes precedence over the Convention, in so far as it concerns matters governed by the Regulation).

(4) “The Council Regulation” means Council Regulation ( EC ) No. 2201/2003 of 27th November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility. ]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 1(3)(4) inserted (E.W.N.I.) and (S.) (1.3.2005) by European Communities (Jurisdiction and Judgments in Matrimonial and Parental Responsibility Matters) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/265), regs. 1, 6 (with reg. 20) and by European Communities (Matrimonial and Parental Responsibility Jurisdiction and Judgments) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/42), regs. 1(1), 3(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 1 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 1 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

2 Contracting States. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of the Convention as it has effect under this Part of this Act the Contracting States other than the United Kingdom shall be those for the time being specified by an Order in Council under this section.

(2) An Order in Council under this section shall specify the date of the coming into force of the Convention as between the United Kingdom and any State specified in the Order; and, except where the Order otherwise provides, the Convention shall apply as between the United Kingdom and that State only in relation to wrongful removals or retentions occurring on or after that date.

(3) Where the Convention applies, or applies only, to a particular territory or particular territories specified in a declaration made by a Contracting State under Article 39 or 40 of the Convention references to that State in subsections (1) and (2) above shall be construed as references to that territory or those territories.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 2: power exercised by S.I. 1991/995

P2 S. 2: power exercised by S.I. 1991/1698

P3 S. 2: for previous exercises of power, see Index to Government Orders.

P4 S. 2: power exercised by S.I.1991/2624.

S. 2; power exercised by S.I.1991/2870.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 2 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 2 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

3 Central Authorities. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, the functions under the Convention of a Central Authority shall be discharged—

(a) in England and Wales F2 ... by the Lord Chancellor; and

(b) in Scotland by the Secretary of State[F3 ; and

(c) in Northern Ireland by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland]

(2) Any application made under the Convention by or on behalf of a person outside the United Kingdom may be addressed to the Lord Chancellor as the Central Authority in the United Kingdom.

[F4 (3) Where any such application relates to a function to be discharged under subsection (1) above by an authority (“the responsible authority”) other than the authority to which the application is addressed, the authority to which the application is addressed shall transmit it to the responsible authority.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 3(1)(a) omitted (12.4.2010) by virtue of The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 36(a) (with arts. 28-31)

F3 S. 3(1)(c) and word inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 36(b) (with arts. 28-31)

F4 S. 3(3) substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 36(c) (with arts. 28-31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 3 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 3 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

4 Judicial authorities. U.K.

The courts having jurisdiction to entertain applications under the Convention shall be—

(a) in England and Wales or in Northern Ireland the High Court; and

(b) in Scotland the Court of Session.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 4 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 4 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

5 Interim powers. U.K.

Where an application has been made to a court in the United Kingdom under the Convention, the court may, at any time before the application is determined, give such interim directions as it thinks fit for the purpose of securing the welfare of the child concerned or of preventing changes in the circumstances relevant to the determination of the application.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 5 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 5 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

6 Reports. U.K.

Where the Lord Chancellor[F5 , the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland] or the Secretary of State is requested to provide information relating to a child under Article 7(d) of the Convention he may—

(a) request a local authority or [F6 an officer of the Service][F7 or a Welsh family proceedings officer] to make a report to him in writing with respect to any matter which appears to him to be relevant;

(b) request the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland to arrange for a suitably qualified person to make such a report to him;

(c) request any court to which a written report relating to the child has been made to send him a copy of the report;

and such a request shall be duly complied with.

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in s. 6 inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 37 (with arts. 28-31)

F6 Words in s. 6(a) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 80(1), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 80; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F7 Words in s. 6(a) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 67(6), Sch. 3 para. 3; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 6 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 6 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

7 Proof of documents and evidence. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of Article 14 of the Convention a decision or determination of a judicial or administrative authority outside the United Kingdom may be proved by a duly authenticated copy of the decision or determination; and any document purporting to be such a copy shall be deemed to be a true copy unless the contrary is shown.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) above a copy is duly authenticated if it bears the seal, or is signed by a judge or officer, of the authority in question.

(3) For the purposes of Articles 14 and 30 of the Convention any such document as is mentioned in Article 8 of the Convention, or a certified copy of any such document, shall be sufficient evidence of anything stated in it.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 7 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 7 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

8 Declarations by United Kingdom courts. U.K.

The High Court or Court of Session may, on an application made for the purposes of Article 15 of the Convention by any person appearing to the court to have an interest in the matter, make a declaration or declarator that the removal of any child from, or his retention outside, the United Kingdom was wrongful within the meaning of Article 3 of the Convention.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 8 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 8 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574, art. 2, Sch.

9 Suspension of court’s powers in cases of wrongful removal. U.K.

The reference in Article 16 of the Convention to deciding on the merits of rights of custody shall be construed as a reference to—

(a) making, varying or revoking a custody order, or [F8 a supervision order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989] or [F9 Article 50 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995];

[F10 (aa) enforcing under section 29 of the Family Law Act 1986 a custody order within the meaning of Chapter V of Part I of that Act;]

(b) registering or enforcing a decision under Part II of this Act;

F11 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F12 (d) making, varying or discharging an order under section 86 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995;]

F13 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 9(a) substituted (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108, Sch. 13 para. 57(1), Sch. 14 para. 1(1); S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

F9 Words in s. 9(a) substituted (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 11(2); S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

F10 S. 9(aa) inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:3), s. 68(1), Sch. 1 para. 28

F11 S. 9(c) repealed (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(6)(7), Sch. 14 para. 27(4), Sch. 15; S.I. 1991/828 art. 3(2)

F12 S. 9(d) substituted (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(2) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

F13 S. 9(e) repealed (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 15, Sch.; S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 9 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 9 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

10 Rules of court. U.K.

(1) An authority having power to make rules of court may make such provision for giving effect to this Part of this Act as appears to that authority to be necessary or expedient.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, rules of court may make provision—

(a) with respect to the procedure on applications for the return of a child and with respect to the documents and information to be furnished and the notices to be given in connection with any such application;

(b) for the transfer of any such application between the appropriate courts in the different parts of the United Kingdom;

(c) for the giving of notices by or to a court for the purposes of the provisions of Article 16 of the Convention and section 9 above and generally as respects proceedings to which those provisions apply;

(d) for enabling a person who wishes to make an application under the Convention in a Contracting State other than the United Kingdom to obtain from any court in the United Kingdom an authenticated copy of any decision of that court relating to the child to whom the application is to relate.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 10 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 10 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

11 Cost of applications. U.K.

The United Kingdom having made such a reservation as is mentioned in the third paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention, the costs mentioned in that paragraph shall not be borne by any Minister or other authority in the United Kingdom except so far as they fall to be so borne [F14 by virtue of—

(a) the provision of any service funded by the Legal Services Commission as part of the Community Legal Service, or

(b) the grant of legal aid or legal advice and assistance under.]

the M1 Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1967, Part I of the M2 Legal Advice and Assistance Act 1972 or the M3 Legal Aid Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.

Textual Amendments

F14 Words and s. 11(a)(b) inserted in s. 11 (1.4.2000 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.4.2001) by 1999 c. 22, s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 31 (with Sch. 14 para 7(2)); S.I. 2000/774, art. 2(a)(i) (subject to arts. 3-4); S.I. 2001/916, art. 3(a)(ii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 11 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 11 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M1 1967 c. 43.

M2 1972 c. 50.

M3 S.I. 1981/228 (N.I. 8).

Part II U.K. Recognition and Enforcement of Custody Decisions

12 The European Convention. U.K.

(1) In this Part of this Act “the Convention” means the Eurpoean Convention Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on the Restoration of Custody of Children which was signed in Luxembourg on 20th May 1980.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, the provisions of that Convention set out in Schedule 2 to this Act (which include Articles 9 and 10 as they have effect in consequence of a reservation made by the United Kingdom under Article 17) shall have the force of law in the United Kingdom.

[F15 (3) But—

(a) those provisions of the Convention,

(b) this Part of this Act, and

(c) rules of court under section 24 of this Act,

are subject to Article 60 of the Council Regulation (by virtue of which the Regulation takes precedence over the European Convention, in so far as it concerns matters governed by the Regulation).

(4) “The Council Regulation” means Council Regulation ( EC ) No 2201/2003 of 27th November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility. ]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 12(3)(4) substituted for s. 12(3) (E.W.N.I.) (S.) (1.3.2005) by European Communities (Jurisdiction and Judgments in Matrimonial and Parental Responsibility Matters) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/265), regs. 1, 7 (with reg. 20) and by European Communities (Matrimonial and Parental Responsibility Jurisdiction and Judgments) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/42), regs. 1(1), 3(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 12 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 12 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

13 Contracting States. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of the Convention as it has effect under this Part of this Act the Contracting States other than the United Kingdom shall be those for the time being specified by an Order in Council under this section.

(2) An Order in Council under this section shall specify the date of the coming into force of the Convention as between the United Kingdom and any State specified in the Order.

(3) Where the Convention applies, or applies only, to a particular territory or particular territories specified by a Contracting State under Article 24 or 25 of the Convention references to that State in subsections (1) and (2) above shall be construed as references to that territory or those territories.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P5 S. 13: power exercised by S.I. 1991/1461

P6 S. 13: for previous exercises of power, see Index to Government Orders.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 13 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

14 Central Authorities. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, the functions under the Convention of a Central Authority shall be discharged—

(a) in England and Wales F16 ... by the Lord Chancellor; and

(b) in Scotland by the Secretary of State[F17 ; and

(c) in Northern Ireland by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland]

(2) Any application made under the Convention by or on behalf of a person outside the United Kingdom may be addressed to the Lord Chancellor as the Central Authority in the United Kingdom.

[F18 (3) Where any such application relates to a function to be discharged under subsection (1) above by the Secretary of State it shall be transmitted by the Lord Chancellor to the Secretary of State and where such an application is addressed to the Secretary of State but relates to a function to be discharged under subsection (1) above by the Lord Chancellor the Secretary of State shall transmit it to the Lord Chancellor.]

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in s. 14(1)(a) omitted (12.4.2010) by virtue of The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 38(a) (with arts. 28-31)

F17 S. 14(1)(c) inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 38(b) (with arts. 28-31)

F18 S. 14(3) substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 38(c) (with arts. 28-31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

15 Recognition of decisions. U.K.

(1) Articles 7 and 12 of the Convention shall have effect in accordance with this section.

(2) A decision to which either of those Articles applies which was made in a Contracting State other than the United Kingdom shall be recognised in each part of the United Kingdom as if made by a court having jurisdiction to make it in that part but—

(a) the appropriate court in any part of the United Kingdom may, on the application of any person appearing to it to have an interest in the matter, declare on any of the grounds specified in Article 9 or 10 of the Convention that the decision is not to be recognised in any part of the United Kingdom; and

(b) the decision shall not be enforceable in any part of the United Kingdom unless registered in the appropriate court under section 16 below.

(3) The references in Article 9(1)(c) of the Convention to the removal of the child are to his improper removal within the meaning of the Convention.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 15 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

16 Registration of decisions. U.K.

(1) A person on whom any rights are conferred by a decision relating to custody made by an authority in a Contracting State other than the United Kingdom may make an application for the registration of the decision in an appropriate court in the United Kingdom.

(2) The Central Authority in the United Kingdom shall assist such a person in making such an application if a request for such assistance is made by him or on his behalf by the Central Authority of the Contracting State in question.

(3) An application under subsection (1) above or a request under subsection (2) above shall be treated as a request for enforcement for the purposes of Articles 10 and 13 of the Convention.

(4) The High Court or Court of Session shall refuse to register a decision if—

(a) the court is of the opinion that on any of the grounds specified in Article 9 or 10 of the Convention the decision should not be recognised in any part of the United Kingdom;

(b) the court is of the opinion that the decision is not enforceable in the Contracting State where it was made and is not a decision to which Article 12 of the Convention applies; or

(c) an application in respect of the child under Part I of this Act is pending.

[F19 (5) Where an authority mentioned in subsection (1) of section 14 above is requested to assist in making an application under this section to the appropriate court in a part of the United Kingdom (“the relevant part of the United Kingdom”) other than the part in relation to which the authority has functions under that subsection, the authority shall transmit the request to the authority which has functions under that subsection in relation to the relevant part of the United Kingdom.]

(6) In this section “decision relating to custody” has the same meaning as in the Convention.

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 16(5) substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 39 (with arts. 28-31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 16 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

17 Variation and revocation of registered decisions. U.K.

(1) Where a decision which has been registered under section 16 above is varied or revoked by an authority in the Contracting State in which it was made, the person on whose behalf the application for registration of the decision was made shall notify the court in which the decision is registered of the variation or revocation.

(2) Where a court is notified under subsection (1) above of the revocation of a decision, it shall—

(a) cancel the registration, and

(b) notify such persons as may be prescribed by rules of court of the cancellation.

(3) Where a court is notified under subsection (1) above of the variation of a decision, it shall—

(a) notify such persons as may be prescribed by rules of court of the variation; and

(b) subject to any conditions which may be so prescribed, vary the registration.

(4) The court in which a decision is registered under section 16 above may also, on the application of any person appearing to the court to have an interest in the matter, cancel or vary the registration if it is satisfied that the decision has been revoked or, as the case may be, varied by an authority in the Contracting State in which it was made.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 17 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

18 Enforcement of decisions. U.K.

Where a decision relating to custody has been registered under section 16 above, the court in which it is registered shall have the same powers for the purpose of enforcing the decision as if it had been made by that court; and proceedings for or with respect to enforcement may be taken accordingly.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 18 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

19 Interim powers. U.K.

Where an application has been made to a court for the registration of a decision under section 16 above or for the enforcement of such a decision, the court may, at any time before the application is determined, give such interim directions as it thinks fit for the purpose of securing the welfare of the child concerned or of preventing changes in the circumstances relevant to the determination of the application or, in the case of an application for registration, to the determination of any subsequent application for the enforcement of the decision.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 19 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

20 Suspension of court’s powers. U.K.

(1) Where it appears to any court in which such proceedings as are mentioned in subsection (2) below are pending in respect of a child that—

(a) an application has been made for the registration of a decision in respect of the child under section 16 above (other than a decision mentioned in subsection (3) below) or that such a decision is registered; and

(b) the decision was made in proceedings commenced before the proceedings which are pending,

the powers of the court with respect to the child in those proceedings shall be restricted as mentioned in subsection (2) below unless, in the case of an application for registration, the application is refused.

(2) Where subsection (1) above applies the court shall not—

(a) in the case of custody proceedings, make, vary or revoke any custody order, or [F20 a supervision order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989] or [F21 Article 50 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995][F22 or];

[F23 (aa) in the case of proceedings under section 29 of the Family Law Act 1986 for the enforcement of a custody order within the meaning of Chapter V of Part I of that Act, enforce that order;]

F24 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F24 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F25 (d) in the case of proceedings for, or for the variation or discharge of, a parental responsibilities order under section 86 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, make, vary or discharge any such order;]

(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F26 (2A) Where it appears to the Secretary of State—

(a) that an application has been made for the registration of a decision in respect of a child under section 16 above (other than a decision mentioned in subsection (3) below); or

(b) that such a decision is registered,

the Secretary of State shall not make, vary or revoke any custody order in respect of the child unless, in the case of an application for registration, the application is refused.]

(3) The decision referred to in subsection (1) [F27 or (2A)] above is a decision which is only a decision relating to custody within the meaning of section 16 of this Act by virtue of being a decision relating to rights of access.

(4) Paragraph (b) of Article 10(2) of the Convention shall be construed as referring to custody proceedings within the meaning of this Act.

(5) This section shall apply to a children’s hearing [F28 (as defined in section 93(1) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995)] as it does to a court.

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in s. 20(2)(a) substituted (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(5)(6), Sch. 13 para. 57(1), Sch. 14 para. 1(1); S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

F21 Words in s. 20(2)(a) substituted (18.7.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 11(2); S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

F22 Word in s. 20(2)(a) added (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 11(3); S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

F23 S. 20(2)(aa) inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:3), s. 68(1), Sch. 1 para. 29

F24 S. 20(2)(b)(c) repealed (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108, Sch. 14 para. 27(4), Sch. 15; S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

F25 S. 20(2)(d) substituted (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4, para. 37(3)(a) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

F26 S. 20(2A) inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:9, 10), s. 67(2)

F27 Words inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:9, 10), s. 67(3)

F28 Words in s. 20(5) substituted (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4, para. 37(3)(b) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 20 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 20 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

21 Reports. U.K.

Where the Lord Chancellor[F29 , the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland] or the Secretary of State is requested to make enquiries about a child under Article 15(1)(b) of the Convention he may—

(a) request a local authority or [F30 an officer of the Service][F31 or a Welsh family proceedings officer] to make a report to him in writing with respect to any matter relating to the child concerned which appears to him to be relevant;

(b) request the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland to arrange for a suitably qualified person to make such a report to him;

(c) request any court to which a written report relating to the child has been made to send him a copy of the report;

and any such request shall be duly complied with.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in s. 21 inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 37 (with arts. 28-31)

F30 Words in s. 21(a) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, 80(1), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 80; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F31 Words in s. 21(a) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 67(6), Sch. 3 para. 3; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 S. 21 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 21 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

22 Proof of documents and evidence. U.K.

(1) In any proceedings under this Part of this Act a decision of an authority outside the United Kingdom may be proved by a duly authenticated copy of the decision; and any document purporting to be such a copy shall be deemed to be a true copy unless the contrary is shown.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) above a copy is duly authenticated if it bears the seal, or is signed by a judge or officer, of the authority in question.

(3) In any proceedings under this Part of this Act any such document as is mentioned in Article 13 of the Convention, or a certified copy of any such document, shall be sufficient evidence of anything stated in it.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 22 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 22 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

23 Decisions of United Kingdom courts. U.K.

(1) Where a person on whom any rights are conferred by a decision relating to custody made by a court in the United Kingdom makes an application to the Lord Chancellor[F32 , the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland] or the Secretary of State under Article 4 of the Convention with a view to securing its recognition or enforcement in another Contracting State, the Lord Chancellor[F32 , the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland] or the Secretary of State may require the court which made the decision to furnish him with all or any of the documents referred to in Article 13(1)(b), (c) and (d) of the Convention.

(2) Where in any custody proceedings a court in the United Kingdom makes a decision relating to a child who has been removed from the United Kingdom, the court may also, on an application made by any person for the purposes of Article 12 of the Convention, declare the removal to have been unlawful if it is satisfied that the applicant has an interest in the matter and that the child has been taken from or sent or kept out of the United Kingdom without the consent of the person (or, if more than one, all the persons) having the right to determine the child’s place of residence under the law of the part of the United Kingdom in which the child was habitually resident.

(3) In this section “decision relating to custody” has the same meaning as in the Convention.

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in s. 23 inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 37 (with arts. 28-31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 23 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 23 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

24 Rules of court. U.K.

(1) An authority having power to make rules of court may make such provision for giving effect to this Part of this Act as appears to that authority to be necessary or expedient.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, rules of court may make provision—

(a) with respect to the procedure on applications to a court under any provision of this Part of this Act and with respect to the documents and information to be furnished and the notices to be given in connection with any such application;

(b) for the transfer of any such application between the appropriate courts in the different parts of the United Kingdom;

(c) for the giving of directions requiring the disclosure of information about any child who is the subject of proceedings under this Part of this Act and for safeguarding its welfare.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 24 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 24 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

[F33 24A Power to order disclosure of child’s whereabouts. U.K.

(1) Where—

(a) in proceedings for the return of a child under Part I of this Act; or

(b) on an application for the recognition, registration or enforcement of a decision in respect of a child under Part II of this Act,

there is not available to the court adequate information as to where the child is, the court may order any person who it has reason to believe may have relevant information to disclose it to the court.

(2) A person shall not be excused from complying with an order under subsection (1) above by reason that to do so may incriminate him or his spouse[F34 or civil partner] of an offence; but a statement or admission made in compliance with such an order shall not be admissible in evidence against either of them in proceedings for any offence other than perjury.]

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 24A inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:9, 10), s. 67(4)

F34 Words in s. 24A(2) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), s. 263(10)(b), Sch. 27 para. 110; S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 24A applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 24A applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

Part III U.K. Supplementary

25 Termination of existing custody orders, etc. U.K.

(1) Where—

(a) an order is made for the return of a child under Part I of this Act; or

(b) a decision with respect to a child (other than a decision mentioned in subsection (2) below) is registered under section 16 of this Act,

any custody order relating to him shall cease to have effect.

(2) The decision referred to in subsection (1)(b) above is a decision which is only a decision relating to custody within the meaning of section 16 of this Act by virtue of being a decision relating to rights of access.

F35 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F36 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F35 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In section 16 of the M4 Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (assumption of parental rights and powers by local authority) in subsection (11) after paragraph (d) there shall be inserted the words “; or

(e) an event mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of section 25(1) of the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 occurs with respect to the child.”

F36 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 25(3)(5) repealed (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(6)(7), Sch. 14 para. 27(4), Sch. 15; S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

F36 S. 25(4)(7) repealed (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 15, Sch.; S.R. 1996/297, art. 3 and s. 25(4) expressed to be repealed (31.1.1999) by S.I. 1998/1504, art. 65(2), Sch. 6; S.R. 1999/25, art. 2(b)(d)

Marginal Citations

M4 1968 c. 49.

26 Expenses. U.K.

There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament—

(a) any expenses incurred by the Lord Chancellor or the Secretary of State by virtue of this Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to this Act in the sums so payable under any other Act.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26 S. 26 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

27 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act “custody order” means [F37 (unless the contrary intention appears)] any such order or authorisation as is mentioned in Schedule 3 to this Act and “custody proceedings” means proceedings in which an order within paragraphs 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 or 9 of that Schedule may be [F38 made, varied or revoked].

(2) For the purposes of this Act “part of the United Kingdom” means England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and “the appropriate court”, in relation to England and Wales or Northern Ireland means the High Court and, in relation to Scotland, the Court of Session.

(3) In this Act “local authority” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, the council of a non-metropolitan county, a metropolitan district, a London borough or the Common Council of the City of London; and

(b) in relation to Scotland, a [F39 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994].

F40 [(4) In this Act a decision relating to rights of access in England and Wales [F41 or Northern Ireland][F42 or Scotland] means a decision as to the contact which a child may, or may not, have with any person.]

[F43 (5) In this Act “ officer of the Service ” has the same meaning as in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. ]

[F44 (5A) In this Act “Welsh family proceedings officer” has the meaning given by section 35 of the Children Act 2004]

Textual Amendments

F37 Words inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:3), s. 68(1), Sch. 1 para. 30

F38 Words substituted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:9, 10), s. 67(5)

F39 Words in s. 27(3)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 139; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(c)

F40 S. 27(4) added (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108, Sch. 13 para. 57(2), Sch. 14 para. 1(1); S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

F41 Words in s. 27(4) inserted (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 11(4); S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

F42 Words in s. 27(4) inserted (1.11.1996 subject to arts. 4-7 of the commencing Act) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(5) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/2203, art. 3(3), Sch.

F43 S. 27(5) inserted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 80(1), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 81; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F44 S. 27(5A) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 67(6), Sch. 3 para. 4; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 S. 27 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

S. 27 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

28 Application as respects British Islands and colonies. U.K.

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any of the provisions of this Act specified in the Order shall extend, subject to such modifications as may be specified in the Order, to—

(a) the Isle of Man,

(b) any of the Channel Islands, and

(c) any colony.

(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that this Act shall have effect in the United Kingdom as if any reference in this Act, or in any amendment made by this Act, to any order which may be made, or any proceedings which may be brought or any other thing which may be done in, or in any part of, the United Kingdom included a reference to any corresponding order which may be made or, as the case may be, proceedings which may be brought or other thing which may be done in any of the territories mentioned in subsection (1) above.

(3) An Order in Council under this section may make such consequential, incidental and supplementary provision as Her Majesty considers appropriate.

(4) An Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

29 Short title, commencement and extent. U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985.

(2) This Act shall come into force on such day as may be appointed by an order made by statutory instrument by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Advocate; and different days may be so appointed for different provisions.

(3) This Act extends to Northern Ireland.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 Power of appointment conferred by section 29(2) fully exercised: 1.8.1986 appointed by S.I. 1986/1048, art. 2

SCHEDULES

Section 1(2).

SCHEDULE 1 U.K. Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 Sch. 1 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

Sch. 1 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

Chapter I—Scope of the Convention U.K.

Article 3 U.K.

The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered wrongful where—

(a) it is in breach of rights of custody attributed to a person, an institution or any other body, either jointly or alone, under the law of the State in which the child was habitually resident immediately before the removal or retention; and

(b) at the time of removal or retention those rights were actually exercised, either jointly or alone, or would have been so exercised but for the removal or retention.

The rights of custody mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) above may arise in particular by operation of law or by reason of a judicial or administrative decision, or by reason of an agreement having legal effect under the law of that State.

Article 4 U.K.

The Convention shall apply to any child who was habitually resident in a Contracting State immediately before any breach of custody or access rights. The Convention shall cease to apply when the child attains the age of sixteen years.

Article 5 U.K.

For the purposes of this Convention—

(a) “rights of custody” shall include rights relating to the care of the person of the child and, in particular, the right to determine the child’s place of residence;

(b) “rights or access” shall include the right to take a child for a limited period of time to a place other than the child’s habitual residence.

Chapter II—Central Authorities U.K.

Article 7 U.K.

Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the competent authorities in their respective States to secure the prompt return of children and to achieve the other objects of this Convention.

In particular, either directly or through any intermediary, they shall take all appropriate measures—

(a) to discover the whereabouts of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained;

(b) to prevent further harm to the child or prejudice to interested parties by taking or causing to be taken provisional measures;

(c) to secure the voluntary return of the child or to bring about an amicable resolution of the issues;

(d) to exchange, where desirable, information relating to the social background of the child;

(e) to provide information of a general character as to the law of their State in connection with the application of the Convention;

(f) to initiate or facilitate the institution of judicial or administrative proceedings with a view to obtaining the return of the child and, in a proper case, to make arrangements for organizing or securing the effective exercise of rights of access;

(g) where the circumstances so require, to provide or facilitate the provision of legal aid and advice, including the participation of legal counsel and advisers;

(h) to provide such administrative arrangements as may be necessary and appropriate to secure the safe return of the child;

(i) to keep each other informed with respect to the operation of this Convention and, as far as possible, to eliminate any obstacles to its application.

Chapter III—Return of Children U.K.

Article 8 U.K.

Any person, institution or other body claiming that a child has been removed or retained in breach of custody rights may apply either to the Central Authority of the child’s habitual residence or to the Central Authority of any other Contracting State for assistance in securing the return of the child.

The application shall contain—

(a) information concerning the identity of the applicant, of the child and of the person alleged to have removed or retained the child;

(b) where available, the date of birth of the child;

(c) the grounds on which the applicant’s claim for return of the child is based;

(d) all available information relating to the whereabouts of the child and the identity of the person with whom the child is presumed to be.

The application may be accompanied or supplemented by—

(e) an authenticated copy of any relevant decision or agreement;

(f) a certificate or an affidavit emanating from a Central Authority, or other competent authority of the State of the child’s habitual residence, or from a qualified person, concerning the relevant law of that State;

(g) any other relevant document.

Article 9 U.K.

If the Central Authority which receives an application referred to in Article 8 has reason to believe that the child is in another Contracting State, it shall directly and without delay transmit the application to the Central Authority of that Contracting State and inform the requesting Central Authority, or the applicant, as the case may be.

Article 10 U.K.

The Central Authority of the State where the child is shall take or cause to be taken all appropriate measures in order to obtain the voluntary return of the child.

Article 11 U.K.

The judicial or administrative authorities of Contracting States shall act expeditiously in proceedings for the return of children.

If the judicial or administrative authority concerned has not reached a decision within six weeks from the date of commencement of the proceedings, the applicant or the Central Authority of the requested State, on its own initiative or if asked by the Central Authority of the requesting State, shall have the right to request a statement of the reasons for the delay. If a reply is received by the Central Authority of the requested State, that Authority shall transmit the reply to the Central Authority of the requesting State, or to the applicant, as the case may be.

Article 12 U.K.

Where a child has been wrongfully removed or retained in terms of Article 3 and, at the date of the commencement of the proceedings before the judicial or administrative authority of the Contracting State where the child is, a period of less than one year has elapsed from the date of the wrongful removal or retention, the authority concerned shall order the return of the child forthwith.

The judicial or administrative authority, even where the proceedings have been commenced after the expiration of the period of one year referred to in the preceding paragraph, shall also order the return of the child, unless it is demonstrated that the child is now settled in its new environment.

Where the judicial or administrative authority in the requested state has reason to believe that the child has been taken to another State, it may stay the proceedings or dismiss the application for the return of the child.

Article 13 U.K.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, the judicial or administrative authority of the requested State is not bound to order the return of the child if the person, institution or other body which opposes its return establishes that—

(a) the person, institution or other body having the care of the person of the child was not actually exercising the custody rights at the time of removal or retention, or had consented to or subsequently acquiesced in the removal or retention; or

(b) there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation.

The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order the return of the child if it finds that the child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate to take account of its views.

In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, the judicial and administrative authorities shall take into account the information relating to the social background of the child provided by the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child’s habitual residence.

Article 14 U.K.

In ascertaining whether there has been a wrongful removal or retention within the meaning of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take notice directly of the law of, and of judicial or administrative decisions, formally recognised or not in the State of the habitual residence of the child, without recourse to the specific procedures for the proof of that law or for the recognition of foreign decisions which would otherwise be applicable.

Article 15 U.K.

The judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State may, prior to the making of an order for the return of the child, request that the applicant obtain from the authorities of the State of the habitual residence of the child a decision or other determination that the removal or retention was wrongful within the meaning of Article 3 of the Convention, where such a decision or determination may be obtained in that State. The Central Authorities of the Contracting States shall so far as practicable assist applicants to obtain such a decision or determination.

Article 16 U.K.

After receiving notice of a wrongful removal or retention of a child in the sense of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authorities of the Contracting State to which the child has been removed or in which it has been retained shall not decide on the merits of rights of custody until it has been determined that the child is not to be returned under this Convention or unless an application under this Convention is not lodged within a reasonable time following receipt of the notice.

Article 17 U.K.

The sole fact that a decision relating to custody has been given in or is entitled to recognition in the requested State shall not be a ground for refusing to return a child under this Convention, but the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take account of the reasons for that decision in applying this Convention.

Article 18 U.K.

The provisions of this Chapter do not limit the power of a judicial or administrative authority to order the return of the child at any time.

Article 19 U.K.

A decision under this Convention concerning the return of the child shall not be taken to be a determination on the merits of any custody issue.

Chapter IV—Rights of Access U.K.

Article 21 U.K.

An application to make arrangements for organising or securing the effective exercise of rights of access may be presented to the Central Authorities of the Contracting States in the same way as an application for the return of a child.

The Central Authorities are bound by the obligations of co-operation which are set forth in Article 7 to promote the peaceful enjoyment of access rights and the fulfilment of any conditions to which the exercise of those rights may be subject. The Central Authorities shall take steps to remove, as far as possible, all obstacles to the exercise of such rights. The Central Authorities, either directly or through intermediaries, may initiate or assist in the institution of proceedings with a view to organising or protecting these rights and securing respect for the conditions to which the exercise of these rights may be subject.

Chapter V—General Provisions U.K.

Article 22 U.K.

No security, bond or deposit, however described, shall be required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in the judicial or administrative proceedings falling within the scope of this Convention.

Article 24 U.K.

Any application, communication or other document sent to the Central Authority of the requested State shall be in the original language, and shall be accompanied by a translation into the official language or one of the official languages of the requested State or, where that is not feasible, a translation into French or English.

Article 26 U.K.

Each Central Authority shall bear its own costs in applying this Convention.

Central Authorities and other public services of Contracting States shall not impose any charges in relation to applications submitted under this Convention. In particular, they may not require any payment from the applicant towards the costs and expenses of the proceedings or, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legal counsel or advisers. However, they may require the payment of the expenses incurred or to be incurred in implementing the return of the child.

However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordance with Article 42, declare that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Upon ordering the return of a child or issuing an order concerning rights of access under this Convention, the judicial or administrative authorities may, where appropriate, direct the person who removed or retained the child, or who prevented the exercise of rights of access, to pay necessary expenses incurred by or on behalf of the applicant, including travel expenses, any costs incurred or payments made for locating the child, the costs of legal representation of the applicant, and those of returning the child.

Article 27 U.K.

When it is manifest that the requirements of this Convention are not fulfilled or that the application is otherwise not well founded, a Central Authority is not bound to accept the application. In that case, the Central Authority shall forthwith inform the applicant or the Central Authority through which the application was submitted, as the case may be, of its reasons.

Article 28 U.K.

A Central Authority may require that the application be accompanied by a written authorisation empowering it to act on behalf of the applicant, or to designate a representative so to act.

Article 29 U.K.

This Convention shall not preclude any person, institution or body who claims that there has been a breach of custody or access rights within the meaning of Article 3 or 21 from applying directly to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State, whether or not under the provisions of this Convention.

Article 30 U.K.

Any application submitted to the Central Authorities or directly to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State in accordance with the terms of this Convention, together with documents and any other information appended thereto or provided by a Central Authority, shall be admissible in the courts or administrative authorities of the Contracting States.

Article 31 U.K.

In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of law applicable in different territorial units—

(a) any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construed as referring to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State;

(b) any reference to the law of the State of habitual residence shall be construed as referring to the law of the territorial unit in that State where the child habitually resides.

Article 32 U.K.

In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of law applicable to different categories of persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State.

Section 12(2).

SCHEDULE 2 U.K. European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions Concerning Custody of Children

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 Sch. 2 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

Sch. 2 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

Article 1 U.K.

For the purposes of this Convention:

(a) “child” means a person of any nationality, so long as he is under 16 years of age and has not the right to decide on his own place of residence under the law of his habitual residence, the law of his nationality or the internal law of the State addressed;

(b) “authority” means a judicial or administrative authority;

(c) “decision relating to custody” means a decision of an authority in so far as it relates to the care of the person of the child, including the right to decide on the place of his residence, or to the right of access to him.

(d) “improper removal” means the removal of a child across an international frontier in breach of a decision relating to his custody which has been given in a Contracting State and which is enforceable in such a State; “improper removal” also includes:

(i) the failure to return a child across an international frontier at the end of a period of the exercise of the right of access to this child or at the end of any other temporary stay in a territory other than that where the custody is exercised;

(ii) a removal which is subsequently declared unlawful within the meaning of Article 12.

Article 4 U.K.

(1) Any person who has obtained in a Contracting State a decision relating to the custody of a child and who wishes to have that decision recognised or enforced in another Contracting State may submit an application for this purpose to the central authority in any Contracting State.

(2) The application shall be accompanied by the documents mentioned in Article 13.

(3) The central authority receiving the application, if it is not the central authority in the State addressed, shall send the documents directly and without delay to that central authority.

(4) The central authority receiving the application may refuse to intervene where it is manifestly clear that the conditions laid down by this Convention are not satisfied.

(5) The central authority receiving the application shall keep the applicant informed without delay of the progress of his application.

Article 5 U.K.

(1) The central authority in the State addressed shall take or cause to be taken without delay all steps which it considers to be appropriate, if necessary by instituting proceedings before its competent authorities, in order:

(a) to discover the whereabouts of the child;

(b) to avoid, in particular by any necessary provisional measures, prejudice to the interests of the child or of the applicant;

(c) to secure the recognition or enforcement of the decision;

(d) to secure the delivery of the child to the applicant where enforcement is granted;

(e) to inform the requesting authority of the measures taken and their results.

(2) Where the central authority in the State addressed has reason to believe that the child is in the territory of another Contracting State it shall send the documents directly and without delay to the central authority of that State.

(3) With the exception of the cost of repatriation, each Contracting State undertakes not to claim any payment from an applicant in respect of any measures taken under paragraph (1) of this Article by the central authority of that State on the applicant’s behalf, including the costs of proceedings and, where applicable, the costs incurred by the assistance of a lawyer.

(4) If recognition or enforcement is refused, and if the central authority of the State addressed considers that it should comply with a request by the applicant to bring in that State proceedings concerning the substance of the case, that authority shall use its best endeavours to secure the representation of the applicant in the proceedings under conditions no less favourable than those available to a person who is resident in and a national of that State and for this purpose it may, in particular, institute proceedings before its competent authorities.

Article 7 U.K.

A decision relating to custody given in a Contracting State shall be recognised and, where it is enforceable in the State of origin, made enforceable in every other Contracting State.

Article 9 U.K.

(1) [Recognition and enforcement may be refused] if:

(a) in the case of a decision given in the absence of the defendant or his legal representative, the defendant was not duly served with the document which instituted the proceedings or an equivalent document in sufficient time to enable him to arrange his defence; but such a failure to effect service cannot constitute a ground for refusing recognition or enforcement where service was not effected because the defendant had concealed his whereabouts from the person who instituted the proceedings in the State of origin;

(b) in the case of a decision given in the absence of the defendant or his legal representative, the competence of the authority giving the decision was not founded:

i. on the habitual residence of the defendant; or

ii. on the last common habitual residence of the child’s parents, at least one parent being still habitually resident there, or

iii. on the habitual residence of the child;

(c) the decision is incompatible with a decision relating to custody which became enforceable in the State addressed before the removal of the child, unless the child has had his habitual residence in the territory of the requesting State for one year before his removal.

(3) In no circumstances may the foreign decision be reviewed as to its substance.

Article 10 U.K.

(1) [Recognition and enforcement may also be refused] on any of the following grounds:

(a) if it is found that the effects of the decision are manifestly incompatible with the fundamental principles of the law relating to the family and children in the State addressed;

(b) if it is found that by reason of a change in the circumstances including the passage of time but not including a mere change in the residence of the child after an improper removal, the effects of the original decision are manifestly no longer in accordance with the welfare of the child;

(c) if at the time when the proceedings were instituted in the State of origin:

i. the child was a national of the State addressed or was habitually resident there and no such connection existed with the State of origin;

ii. the child was a national both of the State of origin and of the State addressed and was habitually resident in the State addressed;

(d) if the decision is incompatible with a decision given in the State addressed or enforceable in that State after being given in a third State, pursuant to proceedings begun before the submission of the request for recognition or enforcement, and if the refusal is in accordance with the welfare of the child.

(2) Proceedings for recognition or enforcement may be adjourned on any of the following grounds:

(a) if an ordinary form of review of the original decision has been commenced;

(b) if proceedings relating to the custody of the child, commenced before the proceedings in the State of origin were instituted, are pending in the State addressed;

(c) if another decision concerning the custody of the child is the subject of proceedings for enforcement or of any other proceedings concerning the recognition of the decision.

Article 11 U.K.

(1) Decisions on rights of access and provisions of decisions relating to custody which deal with the rights of access shall be recognised and enforced subject to the same conditions as other decisions relating to custody.

(2) However, the competent authority of the State addressed may fix the conditions for the implementation and exercise of the right of access taking into account, in particular, undertakings given by the parties on this matter.

(3) Where no decision on the right of access has been taken or where recognition or enforcement of the decision relating to custody is refused, the central authority of the State addressed may apply to its competent authorities for a decision on the right of access if the person claiming a right of access so requests.

Article 12 U.K.

Where, at the time of the removal of a child across an international frontier, there is no enforceable decision given in a Contracting State relating to his custody, the provisions of this Convention shall apply to any subsequent decision, relating to the custody of that child and declaring the removal to be unlawful, given in a Contracting State at the request of any interested person.

Article 13 U.K.

(1) A request for recognition or enforcement in another Contracting State of a decision relating to custody shall be accompanied by:

(a) a document authorising the central authority of the State addressed to act on behalf of the applicant or to designate another representative for that purpose;

(b) a copy of the decision which satisfies the necessary conditions of authenticity;

(c) in the case of a decision given in the absence of the defendant or his legal representative, a document which establishes that the defendant was duly served with the document which instituted the proceedings or an equivalent document;

(d) if applicable, any document which establishes that, in accordance with the law of the State of origin, the decision is enforceable;

(e) if possible, a statement indicating the whereabouts or likely whereabouts of the child in the State addressed;

(f) proposals as to how the custody of the child should be restored.

Article 15 U.K.

(1) Before reaching a decision under paragraph (1)(b) of Article 10, the authority concerned in the State addressed:

(a) shall ascertain the child’s views unless this is impracticable having regard in particular to his age and understanding; and

(b) may request that any appropriate enquiries be carried out.

(2) The cost of enquiries in any Contracting State shall be met by the authorities of the State where they are carried out.

Requests for enquiries and the results of enquiries may be sent to the authority concerned through the central authorities.

Article 26 U.K.

(1) In relation to a State which has in matters of custody two or more systems of law of territorial application:

(a) reference to the law of a person’s habitual residence or to the law of a person’s nationality shall be construed as referring to the system of law determined by the rules in force in that State or, if there are no such rules, to the system of law with which the person concerned is most closely connected;

(b) reference to the State of origin or to the State addressed shall be construed as referring, as the case may be, to the territorial unit where the decision was given or to the territorial unit where recognition or enforcement of the decision or restoration of custody is requested.

(2) Paragraph (1)(a) of this Article also applies mutatis mutandis to States which have in matters of custody two or more systems of law of personal application.

Section 27(1).

SCHEDULE 3 U.K. CUSTODY ORDERS

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 Sch. 3 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.

Sch. 3 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.

Part I U.K. England and Wales

F45 [1 U.K. The following are the orders referred to in section 27(1) of this Act—

(a) a care order under the Children Act 1989 (as defined by section 31(11) of that Act, read with section 105(1) and Schedule 14);

(b) a residence order (as defined by section 8 of the Act of 1989); F46 ...

[F47 (bb) a special guardianship order (within the meaning of the Act of 1989); and]

(c) any order made by a court in England and Wales under any of the following enactments—

(i) section 9(1), 10(1(a) or 11(a) of the Guardianship of Minors Act 1971;

(ii) section 42(1) or (2) or 43(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973;

(iii) section 2(2)(b), 4(b) or (5) of the Guardianship Act 1973 as applied by section 34(5) of the Children Act 1975;

(iv) section 8(2)(a), 10(1) or 19(1)(ii) of the Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates Courts Act 1978;

F48 (v)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F45 Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 1 substituted (14. 10. 1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(5)(6), Sch. 13 para. 57(3), Sch. 14 para. 1(1); S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

F46 Word in Sch. 3 para. 1(b) omitted (30.12.2005) by virtue of Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38), s. 148(1), Sch. 3 para. 45, 5 (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F47 Sch. 3 para. 1(bb) inserted (30.12.2005) by Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38), s. 148(1), Sch. 3 para. 45 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F48 Sch. 3 para. 1(c)(v) omitted (30.12.2005) by virtue of Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38), s. 148(1), Sch. 3 para. 45, 5 (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

2 U.K. An order made by the High Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction relating to wardship so far as it gives the care and control of a child to any person.

F49 3 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F49 Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 3 repealed (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 15, Sch.; S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

4 U.K. An authorisation given by the Secretary of State under section 26(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 (except where the relevant order, within the meaning of that section, was made by virtue of the court which made it being satisfied that the child was guilty of an offence).

Part II U.K. Scotland

5 U.K. An order made by a court of civil jurisdiction in Scotland under any enactment or rule of law with respect to the [F50 residence, custody, care or control of a child or contact with, or] access to a child, excluding—

(i) an order placing a child under the supervision of a local authority;

F51 (ii) an adoption order under section 12(1) of the M5 Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978;

F52 [F53 (iia) an order freeing a child for adoption made under section 18 of the M6 Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978]

(iii) an order relating to the [F54 guardianship] of a child;

(iv) an order made under section [F55 86 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995];

[F56 (v) an order made, or warrant or authorisation granted, under or by virtue of Chapter 2 or 3 of Part II of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to remove the child to a place of safety or to secure accommodation, to keep him at such a place or in such accommodation, or to prevent his removal from a place where he is being accommodated (or an order varying or discharging any order, warrant or authorisation so made or granted);]

(vi) an order made in proceedings under this Act.

[F57 (vii) an adoption order (as defined in section 28(1) of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4);

(viii) a permanence order (as defined in subsection (2) of section 80 of that Act) which includes provision such as is mentioned in paragraph (c) of that subsection.]

Textual Amendments

F50 Words in Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 5 substituted (1.11.1996 subject to arts. 4-7 of the commencing S.I.) by 1995 c. 36, s. 104(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(6)(a)(i) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/2203, art. 3(3), Sch.

F51 Sch. 3 para. 5(ii) repealed (S.) (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), s. 121(2), Sch. 3; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) (as amended (7.5.2012) by S.S.I. 2012/99, art. 2)

F52 Sch. 3 para. 5(iia) repealed (S.) (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), s. 121(2), Sch. 3; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) (as amended (7.5.2012) by S.S.I. 2012/99, art. 2)

F53 Sch. 3, Pt. I para. 5(iia) inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:3), s. 68(1), Sch. 1 para. 31

F54 Words in Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 5(iii) substituted (1.11.1996 subject to arts. 4-7 of the commencing S.I.) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(6)(a)(ii) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/2203, art. 3(3), Sch.

F55 Words in Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 5(iv) substituted (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(6)(a)(iii) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

F56 Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 5(v) substituted (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(6)(a)(iv) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

F57 Sch. 3 para. 5(vii)(viii) inserted (S.) (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), s. 121(2), Sch. 2 para. 4; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) (as amended (7.5.2012) by S.S.I. 2012/99, art. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32 Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 5(ii) modified (1.11.1994) by S.I. 1994/2804, reg. 3, Sch. 2 para. 4

C33 Sch. 3 para. 5(vii) modified (6.4.2010) by The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Parental Orders) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/985), regs. 1(1), 5, Sch. 4

Marginal Citations

M5 1978 c. 28.

M6 1978 c.28(49:11).

[F58 6 U.K. A supervision requirement made by a children’s hearing under section 70 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (whether or not continued under section 73 of that Act) or made by the sheriff under section 51(5)(c)(iii) of that Act and any order made by a court in England and Wales or in Northern Ireland if it is an order which, by virtue of section 33(1) of that Act, has effect as if it were such a supervision requirement.]

Textual Amendments

F58 Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 6 substituted (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 36(6)(b) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

F59 7 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F59 Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 7 ceased to have effect (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4)(5), Sch. 4 para. 37(6)(c), Sch. 5 (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7)

Part III U.K. Northern Ireland

[F60 8 U.K. The following orders—

(a) a care order under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (as defined by Article 49(1) of that Order read with Article 2(2) and Schedule 8);

(b) a residence order (as defined by Article 8 of that Order);

(c) any order made by a court in Northern Ireland under any of the following enactments—

(i) section 5 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1886 (except so far as it relates to costs);

(ii) section 49 of the Mental Health Act (Northern Ireland) 1961;

(iii) Article 45(1) or (2) or 46 of the Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978;

(iv) Article 10(2)(a), 12(1) or 20(1)(ii) of the Domestic Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1980;

(v) Article 27(1)(b) of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.]

Textual Amendments

F60 Sch. 3 Pt. III para. 8 substituted (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 11(5); S.R. 1996/297, art. 3

9 U.K. An order made by the High Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction relating to wardship so far as it gives the care and control of a child to any person.

F61 10 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F61 Sch. 3 Pt. III para. 10 repealed (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 15, Sch.; S.R. 1996/297, art. 3