Interstate & International Matters

We assist many people who live interstate or overseas. 

We have experience in overseas child abduction and property matters. If you fear that a child may be removed from Australia we can assist you to obtain a passport watch and airport alert. If a child has been removed from Australia, or brought here, without your consent you can seek that they be recovered under the Hague Convention on Child Abduction if they are living in a Convention country. Recovery of children removed to non convention countries is more difficult.

Can my partner get a passport for our child without my permission?

In Australia, both parents must sign an application for a passport. If your child does not already have a passport and you are concerned that your partner may try to obtain a passport without your permission you should make a "Child Alert Request" to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A Child Alter Request is a warning to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that you wish to be notified if any application for a passport is made in your child's name. An Alert Request will remain valid for 12 months. The necessary forms can be completed online via www.passports.gov.au/Web/child_alert.aspx.

If your child already has a passport and you are concerned that your partner will remove the child from Australia you need to make application to a Court to prevent their departure.

This website provides information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.