What Can Be Done if You Are Worried About Your Child Being Taken Overseas?

With overseas travel opening up, some parents may have renewed concerns over their child being taken overseas without their consent. 

A child normally cannot leave Australia without having the consent of both parents or those persons who have parental responsibility. If a parent is concerned about their child being taken overseas against their wishes, they can consider applying to the Court for an Order to place the child’s name on the Australian Federal Police’s Family Law Watchlist, also known as the Airport Watchlist.

What is the Airport Watchlist?

The Airport Watchlist system is designed to alert the police to the movement of children and prevent a child whose parents are involved in family law proceedings from being taken outside of Australia without the consent of the Court. If a departing parent tries to take the child overseas, the child will be stopped at the airport and prevented from leaving. 

A child may be put on the list when a Court has issued an Order or injunction limiting or preventing a child’s travel; an application has been made to the Court to prevent overseas travel or put a child on the list: or there is an Order or injunction restricting travel which is under appeal.

Contact our Family Law Solicitors in Sydney, NSW

If you would like further information or wish to discuss your Airport Watchlist matter, please contact the expert family lawyers at Szabo & Associates Solicitors on 02 9281 5088 or complete the online contact form.