When it comes to international custody disputes, legal complications are not uncommon. As if it is not difficult enough to determine custody when both parents reside in Houston, there are a number of complications that can arise with child custody issues when one parent lives in another country.
A Collin County father wants to see his daughter again after an ongoing custody battle with the child’s mother for over three years. The mother, who lives in England with the child, has been ordered to return the child to her father in Texas after the judge’s ruling. This dispute began when the mother, who was once engaged to the father, took the child to England.
The ruling comes after the father appealed to the 5th Texas Court of Appeals when Collin County refused the case. England also refused to hear the father’s claim. The court ruled in favor of the father upon hearing the new evidence he had collected, proving that the mother took the child without permission. The national origin of the mother is unknown, but she will be in contempt of court if she fails to return the child. It is also unknown whether the mother and child are still in England or if they have returned to the U.S.
There can be complications with any child custody dispute, but it is crucial to do what is in the best interests of the child. From determining visitation rights to establishing an agreement modification, it is a good idea to think about hiring a legal professional that has both knowledge and experience with such cases.
Source: Star-Telegram, “Judge orders child be returned to her father in Texas,” Mitch Mitchell, Aug. 20, 2013
