How to Handle Parental Child Abduction in Pennsylvania
Parental child abduction is a heartbreaking reality for many families. If you are facing the possibility of parental child abduction in Pennsylvania, it is important to understand the state and federal laws that apply in these cases. This blog will address what you need to know about parental child abduction, and how our experienced attorneys can help.
What Is Parental Child Abduction?
Parental child abduction is when one parent takes or keeps a child from another parent, without permission. A child may be kidnapped to a location very close to “home,” to a far distant state, or even across international borders. It often happens when two parents, married or not, have not established legal custodial rights and responsibilities for the child. It can also happen where there are court-ordered custodial rights and responsibilities, but one parent takes the child in contravention of the court order, and without permission from the other parent.
Pennsylvania Laws on Parental Child Abduction
In Pennsylvania, parental kidnapping is illegal, and it is established as a criminal offense under 18 Pa.C.S., §2904 (1)-(2). Under this law, it is illegal for any person, including a parent, guardian, or custodian, to take or detain a minor, under 18 years of age, with the intent to conceal the child from the child’s lawful custodian or guardian, without authorization from a court of competent jurisdiction. Violation of this law carries severe penalties for each offense, against each child.
How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help You with Parental Child Abduction Cases
If you are facing potential parental child abduction in Pennsylvania, our experienced attorneys at LaMonaca Law can help protect your rights, and those of your children, by ensuring that what is done in your case complies with applicable state and federal laws, and if necessary, with international conventions, regarding parental kidnapping. We will work closely with you through every step of the process—from filing initial paperwork with the court, through final resolution, wherever that course may lead—to ensure that your interests, as well as those of your children, are properly represented. Moreover, our team is experienced in providing compassionate yet aggressive representation, aimed at obtaining favorable outcomes, for clients facing potential parental child abduction cases.
No matter what type of parental kidnapping situation you may face in Pennsylvania, it is important to understand your legal rights and options, so you can make informed decisions about how best to protect yourself and your children at this difficult time. At LaMonaca Law, our experienced attorneys have successfully handled numerous cases involving actual and potential parental abduction matters over the years, helping countless clients secure favorable resolutions for themselves and their children. If you are dealing with potential parental abduction issues, contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your rights.
