The Child Abduction Unit receives and transmits applications for the return of children in accordance with the conventions from and to a foreign central authority.
Go to the lists of countries with which Denmark currently cooperates under the conventions
In proceedings where Denmark cooperates under the conventions with the country from which the child has been abducted/wrongfully retained, the child may be returned or a foreign decision on custody may be enforced in compliance with the conventions. The conventions providing the legal basis for returning a child and enforcing a decision on custody are the Hague Child Abduction Convention, the Hague Child Protection Convention, the European Convention, the Nordic Marriage Convention and the Nordic Judgments Act.
The Danish courts make decisions in cases involving the return of children and enforcement of decisions under the provisions of the Danish Administration of Justice Act.
Find more details about the assistance provided by the Child Abduction Unit in proceedings conducted in compliance with the conventions
In proceedings where Denmark has no cooperation under the conventions with the country from which the child has been abducted/wrongfully retained, the Child Abduction Unit cannot provide assistance.
If you are a parent and want to commence proceedings concerning custody, residence or rights of access in Denmark, you can submit an application to the Agency of Family Law.
If you need to have a foreign decision on custody, residence or rights of access enforced in Denmark, you may apply to the courts.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Senior Citizens has drawn up a list of attorneys who are particularly experienced in dealing with child abduction cases. The attorneys are appointed in accordance with sections 18a and 20d of the Danish Child Abduction Act. Go to the list of attorneys.