How a Canadian Mother was Criminally Sentenced for Abducting Her Own Child Across International Borders

In July, 2022, a Canadian mother and her son were reported as missing. The reports were made after the woman’s car was found at a park in the area where she lived. It was unknown at the time, but the case would turn from a missing persons case to an international child abduction. According to international news reports, the woman and her son were initially thought by some to have been killed by drowning in a nearby river. However, just two weeks after they were reported missing, the Canadian mother and her son were located in the United States. The Canadian mother was then criminally charged with parental abduction in contravention of a custody order, possession of a forged document, and forging a passport, and was accused of fabricating her and her son’s death in order to flee to the United States. In November, 2023, the woman pled guilty to the charges and was, ultimately, sentenced to 18 months of conditional sentencing in the community, to be followed by 18 months of probation. The Canadian mother alleged that she was a victim of domestic violence and had to flee in order to protect herself and her child, stating to the judge presiding over her case, “It was my sacred duty and responsibility to protect my son’s innocence.”

International Child Abduction Cases – Violations of Custody Orders in Chicago

While some international child abduction cases have made it to news headlines, many Chicagoans still wonder how a mother can be criminally charged with taking her own child overseas. The truth of the matter is that even parents can be charged with abducting their own children if they are not legally entitled to custody of their children. In fact, under Illinois laws, if a noncustodial parent violates a custody order and takes their child across international borders, they may face international child abduction charges.

Parents Must Act Immediately in International Child Abduction Cases

When a child is abducted by a parent and is taken overseas, the chances of the custodial parent reuniting with the child become slimmer as time goes on. Accordingly, if you suspect that your child has been abducted by his or her noncustodial parent, it is critical to act immediately. International child abduction cases are complex and a patchwork of laws may apply to your individual case. Therefore, it is best to speak with an experienced Chicago international family law Hague Convention lawyer as soon as possible if you suspect your child has been abducted by their other parent and taken across international borders.

Legal Help for Parents Facing International Child Abductions

If your ex has violated your child custody order and you believe that your child has been abducted overseas, do not hesitate to reach out for legal help. The experienced Chicago international family law Hague convention lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC help Chicago parents navigate international child abduction cases for the safe return of their loved one. If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal assistance to fight an international child abduction, contact the experienced lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC and learn about your rights and options today.

Source:

globalnews.ca/news/10066573/sask-mother-accused-of-faking-deaths-of-herself-child-pleads-guilty-in-canadian-court/