There are varying scenarios where a threat, removal or disappearance of a child can take place. A child custody lawyer will be able to advise you on the different responses required depending on the nature of relocation; whether it is international, interstate or within a state. Commonly, the scenarios listed can arise:
- Flight risk within Australia
- Unilateral relocation within Australia
- Disappearance by other party with child
- Overseas flight risk
- Child passport alert
- Overseas child abduction
If the respondent’s whereabouts are unknown and every effort has been made to locate them then a child custody lawyer may advise the option of applying for a location order. This falls under s 67K of the Family Law Act 1975. This order will require an individual (e.g. family or friend) or a Commonwealth department (e.g. Centrelink or ATO) to provide the Court with any information they have or which they will have that may assist in locating the child. If there are no prior parenting orders in place or a party has commenced proceedings asking the Court to make parenting orders the requirements are as follows: [...]