Following a divorce from a spouse of a different nationality, the risk of international child abduction during the exercise of visitation rights always looms. If your ex-spouse invites your child(ren), over whom you have full custody of, to visit the country where he or she resides and then refuses to return them, you are faced with a serious legal issue and immediate legal action is essential.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the "Convention") is a multilateral treaty designed to protect children from international parental abduction by facilitating their prompt return to their country of habitual residence.

The Republic of Korea is a signatory to the Convention, along with many other notable countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

If your ex-spouse is residing in a country that is a party to the Convention, you may seek the return of your child(ren) with the assistance of the Ministry of Justice in Korea or the equivalent authority in the other country (e.g., the U.S. Department of State).

At Rockcliffe Law, we have extensive experience assisting clients in both Korea and abroad with Hague Convention applications. We are committed to helping you secure the prompt and safe return of your child(ren).