As a parent, there’s no greater fear than the thought of your child being taken away from you. When parents are separated or divorced, this fear can be especially intense when parents don’t see eye-to-eye regarding matters like parental rights, religion, culture and approaches to parenting.
What is parental kidnapping in Georgia?
In Georgia, parental kidnapping, sometimes called custodial interference or parental abduction, happens when one parent violates a custody order. This means taking or keeping a child away from the other parent, going against what the court has ordered.
The legal consequences can be severe. Parents accused of parental kidnapping can face felony charges, fines, substantial jail time and loss of parenting time or rights.
Parental kidnapping vs. custody interference
While people often use both terms interchangeably, there is a key difference between parental kidnapping and custody interference.
- Custody interference refers to any action that interferes with a parent’s rightful custody of a child, such as denying visitation or hiding the child.
- Parental kidnapping involves the actual taking or concealment of the child.
Understanding these differences is crucial for parents navigating custody arrangements.
What to do if your child is taken
If your child’s other parent kidnaps your child or fails to return them after visitation, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact local law enforcement immediately and file a missing person’s report. Provide as much information as possible, including photos, descriptions and any known locations.
You can also contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for assistance.
Time is of the essence in these situations. The faster you act, the better chance you have of being reunited with your child.
Preventing parental kidnapping
Preventing parental kidnapping starts with clear communication and legal agreements. Ensure custody arrangements are well-documented and legally binding. Keep records of all interactions with the other parent. Consider supervised visitation if necessary. These steps can help protect your child and reduce the risk of parental kidnapping.