Guiding Australians and expats through cross-border separations, complex jurisdiction battles, and hidden foreign wealth, fairly and fast.
INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty, and Australia is a member. It exists for one purpose: the prompt return of a child wrongfully taken away from, or kept away from, the country where they normally live, so decisions about their care are made in the right place.
It only operates between member countries. Where a child who normally lives in Australia is taken to or held in another member country without the right consent or orders, the Convention can be used to seek their return. Time matters most: the sooner you get advice, the more options you tend to have. If you wish to learn more about Hague Convention, check out our complete guide on Hague Convention.
— WHY UNIFIED
A cross-border matter needs a lawyer who has seen the moving parts before (foreign courts, overseas assets, parents in two countries) and can tell you plainly what each one means for you.
We handle matters that touch more than one country: overseas divorce and recognition, foreign property, international relocation and child abduction.
Clear explanations first, and other languages on request, so you always understand where your matter stands.
You’ll know what a stage costs before we start it. No surprise bills, no watching the clock.
A full team sits behind your matter, not a lawyer fitting it in between other kinds of work.
— WHAT TO EXPECT
Every international matter runs a little differently, but the way we work with you stays the same: clear, prompt and honest at each step.
What’s happened, which countries are involved, and what you want the outcome to be.
Anything time-critical, like a child about to travel or a looming foreign deadline, goes to the top.
Updates in plain English, so you always know the next step and who is handling it.
We’ll tell you what’s realistic, even when it isn’t what you were hoping to hear.
What it costs and why, from day one, with fixed fees for defined stages where we can.
20–30 minutes with a family lawyer. No cost, no obligation. You’ll leave knowing where you stand and what to do next.
— STAYING ON TRACK
Cross-border matters stall when nobody’s driving them. We keep yours moving, with a plan, prompt updates, and a steady push toward resolution.
You'll know the steps, the order and the likely timing before we begin.
When something changes overseas or in court, you hear it from us, not the other side.
We push for a sensible outcome and keep court for when it's genuinely the right path.
— WHAT WE HANDLE
Child abduction rarely sits on its own. These related areas often come up alongside a Hague matter; each links to the page that covers it in full.
FEATURED · OUR INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE
A Hague matter is one part of our wider international family law work, which also covers cross-border parenting, overseas divorce and foreign property.
Planning a lawful move overseas with a child, or opposing one, is a different question to abduction.
If a child has been taken or kept within Australia and needs to be returned, a court can order it.
Worried a child may still be removed from the country? Learn how to prevent a departure.
— OVERSEAS PROPERTY
A Convention application turns on a few clear questions, then a defined process. Broadly, it runs like this.
01
The other country must be a member; the child must normally have lived in Australia; the child must be under 16; and the removal or retention must have breached your rights.
02
Applications go through the Australian Central Authority. We advise you, prepare your material and support the application.
03
A child taken from Australia is generally heard in the country the child is in; a child brought here is heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
04
If it succeeds, the court orders the child’s return. The Convention decides where parenting issues are sorted out, not the long-term arrangements.
The longer a child is away, the harder these matters become, so the sooner you get advice, the more options you tend to have.
overseas real estate
offshore accounts
foreign businesses
international super & pensions
undisclosed assets
enforcing QLD orders overseas
— CHILDREN ACROSS BORDERS
Not every case is straightforward, and being accused of wrongful removal or retention is serious. We act on both sides.
A return can be refused only in defined situations: a grave risk of harm, a mature child’s objection, consent, or the child being settled after a long period.
Where the other parent says you wrongfully kept or brought a child here, we advise on your position and represent you in court.
The Convention doesn’t apply and the path is harder: it may involve that country’s courts, diplomatic channels and parenting orders here.
A court can order a child not be removed and add them to the Family Law Watchlist; within Australia, a recovery order may be sought.
defending a Hague claim
grave-risk arguments
non-signatory countries
Family Law Watchlist
passport orders
parenting orders
This is frightening, but you don’t have to face it alone. The early days count most, so get advice today.
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OUR PROMISE TO EVERY CLIENT
— FEES & VALUE
International matters have a reputation for runaway costs. They don’t have to. We’re straight with you about money from the start.
We give you an honest read on what your matter is likely to involve before you commit to anything.
For defined stages, we’ll quote a set price, so you’re not watching a clock tick.
If something changes the scope, we talk to you first, before any extra work begins.
If a step isn’t worth the spend for the likely result, we’ll tell you so.
A free, no-obligation chat with a Sydney family lawyer.
Short, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t see yours? Ask us. The first conversation is free.
Our office is in Brisbane and looks after clients across South-East Queensland and the regions. You’re welcome to come in, but you don’t have to; most international matters run perfectly well by phone and video, including for Queenslanders currently overseas.
These matters go through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, with the Brisbane registry covering the south-east and registries in Townsville, Cairns and Rockhampton serving the regions.
Usually yes, if you or your spouse are Australian, treat Australia as home, or have lived here for the last 12 months. An overseas marriage is generally recognised here.
An overseas divorce is often recognised in Australia, but it depends on where and how it was granted. We can check whether yours is recognised here.
Both Queensland and overseas assets form part of the one property pool. The offshore part can take extra steps to value and enforce, but it still counts.
An international relocation generally needs the other parent’s consent or a court order. Moving without one can be undone, so get advice first.
The court can order that a child not be removed and place them on the Family Law Watchlist, which covers Brisbane Airport. If it’s urgent, contact us straight away.
The quickest way to a clear answer is a short, free chat with a family lawyer, by phone or video, around your time zone.
Or call 1300 000 000
— TALK TO US
We act on Hague Convention and international child abduction matters for clients across Australia, and for Australians overseas. If your matter is urgent, say so when you contact us.
1300 667 461
National practice, run by phone and video. Your first consultation is free.
Matter urgent? Tell us when you book and we’ll treat it that way.
or call 1300 667 461
At Unified Lawyers, results matter because they matter to you. We’ve helped more than 8000+ clients across Australia resolve their family law matters with care and expertise.
Andrew Benz
Jessica O’Brien handled my matter which involved drawing up a formal agreement for the division of property post-separation which was filed with the courts. This was done in a highly efficient, very professional and low stress way, minimising costs and time. Jessica is a very kind, warm and empathetic person who genuinely cares. She listens to you carefully and is keen to know what outcomes you wish to achieve and how you want to go about things, consulting with you throughout the whole process. Separation and divorce are invariably highly stressful life events and the way that Jessica handled everything really reduced this stress. Thank you once again, Jessica.
Shaymaa El Kafrawy
I cannot recommend Mark Youssef and the team at Unified Lawyers highly enough. Going through family law proceedings was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but having Mark represent me made an enormous difference. Before working with him, I had already been represented by two other lawyers, and the level of support, organisation, strategy, and dedication I received from Mark was truly on another level. From day one, I felt supported and protected. Mark and his team were always responsive, professional, and prepared. No matter how stressful the situation became, I always knew my matter was being handled with care, attention, and genuine commitment. What impressed me most about Mark was not only his strong legal knowledge and courtroom presence, but also how deeply invested he was in achieving the best possible outcome. He is incredibly strategic, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure. Throughout the case, I felt like I had a whole team fighting for me every step of the way.
Felicia Richards
I can’t thank Santino enough for his support, professionalism, and guidance throughout our matter. His level of knowledge, compassion, and dedication has been unmatched. He has a rare ability to balance exceptional legal expertise with genuine care and understanding, making an incredibly difficult process feel far more manageable. I always felt supported, informed, and confident knowing Santino was in my corner. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and highly skilled lawyer.
Jimmy Vu
I cannot thank Eliza Harley enough for helping me through my family law matter. She was very professional, compassionate and took the time to explain the processes clearly. Her expertise helped me navigate a challenging situation with confidence. I would highly recommend her for anyone seeking any legal assistance regarding family law.
Georgina
I highly recommend Unified Lawyers and especially Jessica Adamovich. She handled our family law matter with the utmost professionalism and was always willing to listen to our concerns and expectations. Thankfully due to her professionalism we were able to achieve the outcome we had hoped for
Ellen Cook
I am beyond thankful for Andrew Morrison and his team at Unified Lawyers. From the first phone call, Andrew listened to me and provided helpful information about my separation. The initial appointment helped me unpack my options and empowered me to know what to do next. Andrew was quick to reply to emails and was there to help. He successfully helped me seperate well from my ex without having to go to court and I can not thank him enough for this. I highly recommend Andrew Morrison!
Andrew Benz
Jessica O’Brien handled my matter which involved drawing up a formal agreement for the division of property post-separation which was filed with the courts. This was done in a highly efficient, very professional and low stress way, minimising costs and time. Jessica is a very kind, warm and empathetic person who genuinely cares. She listens to you carefully and is keen to know what outcomes you wish to achieve and how you want to go about things, consulting with you throughout the whole process. Separation and divorce are invariably highly stressful life events and the way that Jessica handled everything really reduced this stress. Thank you once again, Jessica.
Shaymaa El Kafrawy
I cannot recommend Mark Youssef and the team at Unified Lawyers highly enough. Going through family law proceedings was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but having Mark represent me made an enormous difference. Before working with him, I had already been represented by two other lawyers, and the level of support, organisation, strategy, and dedication I received from Mark was truly on another level. From day one, I felt supported and protected. Mark and his team were always responsive, professional, and prepared. No matter how stressful the situation became, I always knew my matter was being handled with care, attention, and genuine commitment. What impressed me most about Mark was not only his strong legal knowledge and courtroom presence, but also how deeply invested he was in achieving the best possible outcome. He is incredibly strategic, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure. Throughout the case, I felt like I had a whole team fighting for me every step of the way.
Felicia Richards
I can’t thank Santino enough for his support, professionalism, and guidance throughout our matter. His level of knowledge, compassion, and dedication has been unmatched. He has a rare ability to balance exceptional legal expertise with genuine care and understanding, making an incredibly difficult process feel far more manageable. I always felt supported, informed, and confident knowing Santino was in my corner. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and highly skilled lawyer.
Jimmy Vu
I cannot thank Eliza Harley enough for helping me through my family law matter. She was very professional, compassionate and took the time to explain the processes clearly. Her expertise helped me navigate a challenging situation with confidence. I would highly recommend her for anyone seeking any legal assistance regarding family law.
Georgina
I highly recommend Unified Lawyers and especially Jessica Adamovich. She handled our family law matter with the utmost professionalism and was always willing to listen to our concerns and expectations. Thankfully due to her professionalism we were able to achieve the outcome we had hoped for
Ellen Cook
I am beyond thankful for Andrew Morrison and his team at Unified Lawyers. From the first phone call, Andrew listened to me and provided helpful information about my separation. The initial appointment helped me unpack my options and empowered me to know what to do next. Andrew was quick to reply to emails and was there to help. He successfully helped me seperate well from my ex without having to go to court and I can not thank him enough for this. I highly recommend Andrew Morrison!
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