If an individual takes their child away to deliberately upset the other parent, avoid the law, or keep the other parent from ever seeing the child again, this is parental kidnapping. The family law team at our office stands ready to take swift action against any parent who kidnaps or threatens to kidnap their child.
In This Article
Protecting Your Child from Parental Kidnapping
If your child has been kidnapped or is in danger of being kidnapped by their other parent, it is vital for you to act quickly. Our team wants to help you fight for your child’s safety in every way we can. This may include:
- Filing necessary motions with the court: For instance, if you believe your child is in imminent danger of being kidnapped, we can ask that the court grant you emergency custody.
- Negotiating for a child’s return: This may be necessary if the child was taken out of the country. We can meet with the other side and fight hard to make sure your child is safely returned.
- Investigating your case: We can create a more thorough picture of the case by speaking with witnesses and collecting any related documentary evidence that could help strengthen your position.
- Preparing for court: If your case goes to trial, we can prepare witnesses for the stand, prepare and submit trial exhibits, and so on.
- Advocating for you in court: We are ready and willing to question witnesses and present arguments regarding the kidnapping.
- Providing a guardian ad litem: A guardian ad litem is someone who advocates for a child’s rights in the courtroom. We may be able to assume this role if necessary.
We are ready and willing to complete any legal tasks necessary to keep your child safe, both in and out of the courtroom. As Allison, one of our satisfied family law clients put it, the team at our law firm “will exceed your highest expectations and provide the assurance of a job well done.”
Protecting Yourself After Parental Kidnapping
It may sound counterintuitive to focus on yourself when your child is the one in danger. However, to make the best possible decisions regarding your child’s safety and future, you should do everything you can to:
- Educate yourself: We can explain all relevant laws and regulations to you and what bearing they may have on your case, including what responsibilities you have. The initial case review is always free and comes with no strings attached.
- Get legal help: A professional representative from our firm is well-versed in family law. We can guide you through the entire process and give you all of the information you need to navigate the legal system and get your child back.
- Make swift but solid decisions: If there is more than one option on the table, we can explain each of them and help you select the right option for your family.
We are proud to serve family law clients throughout North Carolina. Kim, another one of our family law clients, was “so grateful” that she was represented by a “dedicated and committed” attorney from our firm during a difficult time. Let us bring that same dedication and commitment to bear on your case. In addition to the tasks outlined above, we can help you by:
- Answering all of your questions in a timely manner
- Providing a neutral, unemotional perspective on your legal options
- Updating you promptly after every important development
What Is Parental Kidnapping?
North Carolina’s kidnapping laws can be found at G.S. § 14-39. According to this statute, kidnapping—including parental kidnapping—occurs when an individual holds another person against their (or their guardian’s) will for purposes of:
- Committing a felony
- Hurting or scaring any individual (not necessarily the kidnap victim)
- Forcing the kidnap victim into servitude (sexual or otherwise)
Depending on where the kidnapping parent takes the child, other charges may be brought against them in addition to the regular kidnapping charge. For example, if the kidnapping parent takes the child out of the country, this is a federal offense. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the guilty parent may be imprisoned for up to three years.
Regardless of the specifics of your case, our firm would like to help you protect your child and get them back from the other parent as quickly as possible. We know that this is a frightening time for you and your family. Our team stands ready to work hard and rapidly on your behalf.
Get Legal Help from Us Today
To learn more about what parent kidnapping is and what you can do about it, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today. Our number is (828) 286-3866, and we can take your call at any time. We understand how important your child’s safety is and can fight by your side to protect their – and your – rights. All case evaluations are free.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form
