When parental instinct clashes with the law… how should you act when faced with the unexpected?
The First Shock: Is It Really “Kidnapping”?
Imagine waking up one morning and your children are gone.
Or receiving a message saying they’ve been taken to another city—or even out of the country—without warning.
Before reacting, you need to understand this crucial point:
When does this become a legal “abduction” and when is it a custody dispute?
Not every unauthorized move qualifies as criminal kidnapping.
But it could be a breach of custody or a violation of visitation rights, and that’s where the law steps in.
Don’t Act Out of Anger – Here’s What You Should Do First
- Confirm the children’s whereabouts and who currently has them.
- Gather evidence: messages, school notifications, travel tickets, WhatsApp chats.
- Consult a family lawyer immediately to understand your legal standing and possible emergency action.
- Avoid threats or angry messages, as anything you say can be used against you in court.
Can You Get the Children Back Quickly? Yes… In Certain Cases
If the other parent has:
- Violated a court-issued custody or visitation order,
- Left the country without your permission,
- Refused to return the children after a scheduled visit or agreement,
You may be able to file for an urgent court order requesting immediate return of the children.
In more serious cases, the matter can be referred to the Public Prosecution as a criminal offense (violation of custody rights or court orders).
What If the Children Were Taken Abroad?
This is more complex.
If the travel happened without your consent and in violation of a legal judgment or written agreement,
you can file a criminal complaint in the UAE.
In some cases, international mechanisms—like the Hague Convention on Child Abduction—can be used to request the child’s return.
Note: The Hague Convention doesn’t apply automatically. Its effectiveness depends on the country where the child was taken.
What About the Child’s Best Interest?
In the heat of the conflict, parents sometimes forget:
A child is not a bargaining chip, nor a weapon of emotional pressure.
Children are deeply affected by sudden changes in their environment, especially when they feel torn between two parents.
That’s why courts always assess whether returning the child truly serves their best interest, not just the wishes of either parent.
Bottom Line: Stay Rational… Let the Law Lead the Way
Don’t let emotions dictate your actions.
The UAE legal system offers solid protection in such cases, but success depends not on outbursts… It depends on documents, proper legal steps, and a smart legal strategy.
