International Parental Child Abduction Republic of Ireland
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
January 2013
Ireland and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since October 1, 1991.
For information concerning travel to Ireland, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Ireland.
The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention. In this capacity, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Ireland. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.
Contact information:
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Fax: 202-736-9132
Website
The Irish Central Authority (ICA) for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Department of Justice and Equality. The ICA has an administrative role in processing Hague Abduction Convention applications. The ICA will arrange for an attorney to represent each applicant in Hague return proceedings and will review and forward completed applications to the assigned solicitor. The ICA can be reached at:
Department of Justice and Equality
Bishop’s Square
Redmond’s Hill
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel: +353 (1) 4790 200
Fax: +353 (1) 4790 201
E-mail
Internet
To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Ireland, the USCA encourages parents to review the eligibility criteria and instructions for completing the Hague application form
located at the Department of State website and contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central
Authority. The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application
to the ICA, and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.
There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the United States or Irish central authorities. The central authority in Ireland assigns a solicitor (attorney) to represent parents making an application for return or access under the Hague Abduction Convention. For applications for return, the ICA provides pro bono (no fee) legal assistance. For applications for access, applicant parents are responsible for legal fees if they do not qualify for legal aid. Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.
A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Ireland. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.
A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Ireland. The criteria
for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents
living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting
a Hague application.
Retaining an Attorney:
The Irish Central Authority will arrange for a pro bono solicitor (attorney) to represent applicant parents who are seeking a child’s return under the Hague Abduction Convention. A left-behind parent is not required to retain a solicitor privately and if he/she elects to do so, the parent is responsible for all legal costs. A private solicitor should contact the ICA prior to filing a Hague return application directly with the High Court.
The U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland posts a list of attorneys including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department
of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services
provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly
by the lawyers.
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The ICA encourages mediation for all Hague Abduction Convention applications, and both parties are given the opportunity to come to a mutual agreement before the application goes to court. In general, the parties’ solicitors are responsible for facilitating mediation. The ICA does not play an active role in this process.
The U.S. Embassy in Ireland can be contacted at:
U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Tel: 353 1 668-8777
Fax: 353 1 668-9946
E-mail
Website
The Embassy of Ireland is located in Washington, D.C. at:
Embassy of Ireland
2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20008
Tel: 202-462-3939
Fax: 202-232-5993
Website
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