What We Do
We act with speed and precision in international child abduction matters involving South Africa:
- Hague Convention return applications/defences (wrongful removal/retention)
- Habitual residence strategy and rights of custody analysis
- Urgent interdicts (non-removal, passport holds), interim care/contact orders
- Central Authority coordination and case management
- Undertakings & protective measures (housing, education, therapy, non-prosecution)
- Mirror orders to ensure enforceability in the foreign country (and SA)
- Recognition/enforcement of foreign parenting orders in SA
- Post-return planning: structured cross-border contact & compliance
Tell us what happened — get an immediate plan
Why Families Choose Us
1) Deep niche experience (15+ years).
We build Hague cases every month — we know what moves judges.
2) Senior counsel with winning records.
Only proven advocates are briefed on your matter.
3) Highest client ratings in this space.
Clients praise our urgency, clarity, and results.
4) Thought leadership & media presence.
We publish extensively, appear in national media, and teach via our YouTube channel.
5) Real-world integrity.
Foundation endorsement and CPF leadership reflect our values in action.
6) Award-winning practice.
Recognised nationally and continent-wide for excellence and innovation.
See how we’d approach your case
International Child Abduction Case Snapshot
Cross-jurisdiction dispute: UK ↔ SA
Competing claims and conflicting timelines across two courts. Outcome: swift, child-centred result; enforceable cross-border contact; stability restored.
(Anonymised; more details on request.)
Ask if your facts fit a similar strategy
Recent Review
“Simon, Mehra and Team… a Godsend through complex twists in both RSA and English jurisdictions… diligent, caring, and they get the job done — well. Highly recommended.”
— Jennifer T., UK/South Africa (Verified 5★ review)
How We Win Hague Convention Matters
Step 1 — 24–72h Triage: facts, timelines, country map, immediate risk controls.
Step 2 — Legal Grounding: habitual residence, rights of custody, wrongful removal/retention.
Step 3 — Evidence Build: travel history, schooling/medical records, communications, immigration status.
Step 4 — Urgent Relief: non-removal orders, passport alerts, interim contact, safe-harbour terms.
Step 5 — Return Hearing/Defence: senior counsel; focused submissions; narrow exceptions (e.g., Article 13(b) grave risk).
Step 6 — Enforceability & Aftercare: mirror orders, undertakings, compliance reviews, parenting plan.
What Courts Consider
- Habitual residence of the child before removal/retention
- Whether removal/retention breached rights of custody
- Article 13 defences (e.g., grave risk of harm, child’s objections if of sufficient age/maturity)
- Speed (Hague matters are meant to be resolved expeditiously)
- Whether undertakings and protective measures can neutralise risk
- The child’s best interests, applied within the Hague framework
- Enforceability via mirror orders/recognition to avoid “paper” outcomes
Ask what a court will weigh in your case
International Child Abduction Frequently Asked Questions
In family law we call it wrongful removal or retention. Criminal processes may exist, but Hague Convention return is a civil mechanism.
Immediately. Delay weakens cases — act within days, not weeks.
Real, credible risk may trigger Article 13(b). Courts often require undertakings/protective measures; genuine safety evidence is key.
Often — through recognition and mirror orders if consistent with SA public policy and the child’s best interests.
Yes: non-removal orders, passport holds, interim care/contact.
Ethical Advocacy, Real-World Results
- We brief respected, court-credible experts — not “hired guns.”
- We pursue durable, child-centred outcomes; we litigate hard where needed.
- You stay informed, prepared, and supported every step.
Book an urgent confidential consult
WhatsApp Us