GETTING A CHILD RETURNED
A recovery order is made under the Family Law Act, and its job is straightforward: to have a child returned to a parent or carer they should be with. It can direct a person to return the child, and authorise police, including the Australian Federal Police, to find, recover and deliver the child, and to stop the other person taking them again. Check out our complete guide on What is a Recovery Order here
It’s the right tool when a child has been taken or kept without consent, or withheld contrary to parenting orders, usually within Australia or before a child is taken out of the country. If a child has already been taken overseas, that’s a different process; and if your worry is that a child might be removed, prevention is what you need rather than recovery.
— 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 an imminent sale, transfer 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.
FREE
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
A recovery matter often sits beside an abduction or departure concern. Each related area links to the page that covers it in full.
FEATURED · OUR INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE
Recovery orders are one part of our wider international family law work, which covers child abduction, departure prevention and overseas property.
If a child has been taken overseas rather than within Australia, recovery isn’t the right tool; see the Hague route.
If your concern is preventing a child being removed in the first place, learn how to prevent a departure.
— OVERSEAS PROPERTY
A recovery order does a specific job, and it’s worth knowing what it can and can’t do before you apply.
What it is
A court order under the Family Law Act that requires a child to be returned to a parent or carer and can stop the other person taking them again.
Who can apply
Generally a person the child lives with or spends time with under a parenting order, a person with parental responsibility, a grandparent, or someone else concerned with the child’s care.
What it authorises
It can direct the return of the child and authorise officers, including the Australian Federal Police, to find, recover and deliver the child, using reasonable force if necessary.
The child comes first
As with all parenting decisions, the child’s best interests are the court’s paramount consideration, including their safety.
Because these matters move fast, and the child’s wellbeing is at the centre, early advice matters a great deal.
— CHILDREN ACROSS BORDERS
Three different worries call for three different responses, and using the right one saves precious time.
If a child has been taken without consent or not returned, and is still in Australia, a recovery order is usually the tool to bring them back.
If you’re worried a child could be taken out of the country, the answer is removal-prevention orders and the Family Law Watchlist.
If a child has been taken to or kept in another country, a recovery order isn’t the path; the Hague Convention may be.
Being on the receiving end of a recovery order is serious. We’ll advise on your position and represent you, including where there are genuine safety concerns.
With a child away from where they should be, every day matters. Get advice today.
“
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.
— QUESTIONS
Short, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t see yours? Ask us. The first conversation is free.
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 recovery orders and urgent child matters for clients across Australia. Recovery matters move fast, so if your child has been taken or withheld, tell us when you make contact.
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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