Parental Child Abduction Lawyers – Ontario Legal Help for Urgent Family Cases
If your child has been abducted by your ex-partner, the first priority is to assess the safety of your children, and calling the police and/or CAS as soon as needed.
Your next priority is to involve a family lawyer, who can assist with returning your child and reinstating your parenting time.
If your child has been abducted, waiting to take action can hurt your case. This is because the likelihood of the family courthouse in your ex-partner’s location exercising jurisdiction over parenting and other legal issues related to your divorce or separation increases with the time your child/ children spend in the new location.
It’s therefore important to consult with a family lawyer immediately.
Our child abduction lawyers have 10 years of experience in working with child abduction cases. We can assist with urgent child abductions and are ready to help you in this challenging time. Contact us for a consultation today!
What Counts as Parental Child Abduction in Ontario?
Parental child abduction can occur when a parent or guardian takes, detains, or refuses to return a child in violation of a court order, agreement, or custody arrangement. These situations often involve:
- Withholding a child after parenting time
- Taking a child to another province or city without consent
- Disregarding shared decision-making or access rights
If there’s no custody (decision making) order yet, you may still have options — including urgent legal action. Learn more about child custody and access in Ontario:
Age, Development, and the Best Interests of the Child
Protecting Your Parental Rights
What You Should Do Immediately
If you believe your child has been abducted or may be at risk:
- Call your local police department
They can act quickly, especially if a custody order exists. - Contact a family lawyer experienced in emergency motions
Legal intervention may include obtaining an urgent order for the child’s return. - Document everything
Texts, emails, calendar entries — this may be vital in court. - Act quickly
The longer the delay, the more complex it may become to restore parenting time.
We can also help you understand your rights if no court order is yet in place — visit our parenting and decision-making page for more details.
If your child has been taken or withheld without your consent, the fear and urgency can feel paralyzing. Whether it’s a former partner who hasn’t returned your child as agreed, or you suspect someone may take your child and refuse to bring them back, we can help.
At Aaries Family Law, our child abduction lawyers handle domestic child abduction cases across Ontario. We respond quickly, clearly, and with deep respect for the emotional weight these situations carry. You are not alone — we’re here to help you protect your child and restore stability.
Our Approach: Fast, Focused, Compassionate
We approach every child abduction case with a clear understanding of the urgency. We act fast — preparing emergency materials, reviewing documentation, and bringing motions where necessary.
We Understand the Impact
Child abduction is not just a legal problem — it’s an emotional crisis. Parents often feel powerless, scared, and overwhelmed. We’ve seen this firsthand.
At Aaries Family Law, we work with you calmly and directly. Our team is familiar with high-conflict family matters and understands how to act without adding pressure or panic.
Take the Next Step
If you’re facing child abduction — or sense one may occur — don’t wait.
Contact Aaries Family Law for clear, immediate legal support. We assist clients across Ontario and are ready to help you protect your parenting rights.