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Child Abduction in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield

Child abduction is not the same as kidnapping. Kidnapping applies where a stranger takes the child and child abduction applies where the child is taken by the other parent, to another country without prior consent.

If you are concerned that there is a risk that your child may be taken unlawfully from the UK, you should seek advice before it is too late. There are steps that we can take to avoid the child being take which include applying for a Prohibited Steps Order (which is an order preventing the other parent from doing a certain thing). Port Alerts can also be sought and orders obtained requiring the other parent to surrender their passport, and the passport of the child. This can be done without alerting the other party.

If your child has been taken to a country within the European Union, a country that has signed up to the Hague Convention or that has entered into an agreement with the UK, we can liaise with the appropriate organisations including the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit to seek that your child is returned. Further, declarations can be sought from the High Court that the removal from the UK was wrongful.

The Hague Convention defines what constitutes abduction and this can be used to seek an order for the child to be returned to the UK from the member state which they have been removed. Child Abduction is a criminal offence and anyone found guilty of child abduction can expect criminal proceedings including fine, penalties and imprisonment. We therefore suggest if you do wish to relocate to another country with your children, you must seek consent to do so. If consent cannot be agreed, an application can be made for a Specific Issue Order as to whether relocation can take place. We can help you come to an arrangement and put the relevant order in place.

This is a very complex area of law because it works across different jurisdictions and you should seek advice as soon as you feel there may be a risk.

Getting divorced with children – Guidance and Support

For some examples of common issues and problems and how we can assist you click on the link.

  • Parental Responsibility - What rights and responsibilities do both parents have?
  • Child Arrangements Order (Formerly Residence & Contact Orders)  - Where should the children live and who should be the children’s primary carer?  What time should the children spend with each adult?
  • Mediation - Non-court based process with trained neutral mediators
  • Applying to Court
  • Care Proceedings - Where there is social services intervention in the Children’s care

 

 

Divorce

You can't begin to imagine how grateful I am to you.  You have been matter of fact rather than thinking about the earning potential.  You are a lovely women so thank you so so much.  

Mrs L, Hasland

Divorce and Children 

Thank you for all your hard work and compassion with my matters.

Miss P, Chesterfield

Shetal Gudgeon was absolutely brillant dealing with my matter and have recommended her to friends going through the same thing. She is friendly and professional and made me feel at ease

Ms W, Chesterfield

Divorce and Family law

Thanks for your assistance with my case, your advice has been invaluable, and I would certainly recommend Banner Jones to my family and friends.

Mr P Sheffield

Divorce and Family Law

I found the firm generally helpful, polite and a pleasure to deal with.

Mrs W, Stavely

Great service, thank you for all your help.

Mr T, Nottingham

I would like to say a big thank you for your understanding at a very stressful time. You not only acted professionally but with great compassion. My family can not say in words how difficult a time we are having, and it means so much to have just a little kindness. No matter what the outcome today, you did a wonderful job.

Mr W, Swinton

You were very helpful and sympathetic whilst dealing with my case and your knowledge and advice was excellent. Once initiated, my case was dealt with speed, professionalism. Good contact and communication was maintained throughout.

Mr G, Staveley

Peter Jones is a very good solicitor, and helped and advised me to do what was best. He does not pressure you into taking his advice.

Mrs B, Boythorpe

We’re really grateful for the work you did for us. 10 out of 10!

Mr & Mrs S, Bridlington

Brilliant service, kept well informed all the way through the process. Would definitely recommend.

Miss H, Nottinghamshire

Cannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and cautious. Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.

Mr & Mrs D, Mansfield

Service provided was excellent. All the staff were very helpful, considerate and professional. I would highly recommend to friends and family.

Mr W, Nottinghamshire

My wife and I would like to thank you for representing us and achieving an outcome that exceeded our hopes and expectatons.

Mr & Mrs N

We would like to thank you for all your help over the last few months and are relieved that's its all over. The children are happy to be back home with mum and have started to settle back down. 

Mr F, Chesterfield

Thank you Helena for all of your help and support. We have one very happy boy again.

Mr & Mrs L, Chesterfield

I just want to say thank you for your help and support with everything regarding my daughter It's just given me so much peace of mind, knowing that I had you representing me, and was prepared around all aspects of the case. Today has just allowed me to put the last few months behind me, and move forward with my life as a whole after a bad year. I can't wait to start spending some real, quality time with my daughter again, and actually get to watch her grow up.

Mr C, Chesterfield

Dear Peter, thank you for everything, especially your time in supporting me and most of all making me see sense.

Ms B, Chesterfield

A very big thank you to Peter Jones for the support, advice and guidance that you have given us over the last few months. Without fail, you have pitched your manner exactly right on each occasion, and I believe that you have definitley gone the extra mile and on more than one occasion!

On a personal note, I just wanted to thank you for guiding me towards the right decisions to help my daughter when my emotional involvement overshaddowed  my commonsense! Amazing work!

Miss G

Thank you Peter for getting my baby back I won't ever forget you and what you did for us.

Miss M, Chesterfield

That was absolutely quick and fantastic. You have been great since I chose you to be my solicitor, massive thanks for all your help during the year .

Miss K, Sheffield

In the 2021 guide Shetal received this testimonial from a women's refuge;

‘Shetal Gudgeon has a long history of working with women fleeing domestic abuse. We recommend her to our residents because we like the manner and tone of voice she uses when communicating with our women. She makes them feel valued and important. She shows empathy and respect. This is something some of our women have never experienced. Our women need a certain kind of person as they have fled domestic abuse, lost their homes and sometimes children. They have complex needs and are dealing with trauma.’

Previously recognised as a recommended Family Lawyer in The Good Lawyer Guide – the independent guide to solicitors in England and Wales –She is well known for providing clear and practical advice described as “second to none” and leaving “no stone unturned”. She has also been described as “professional”, “welcoming” and “empathetic”. Shetal works closely with her contacts such as charities in the areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Women's refuge

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We take data privacy very seriously, and we want you to understand and feel confident about how we collect, store and handle your personal data. If you’d like to find out more you can read our Privacy Policy.