The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a treaty that governs proceedings for the prompt return of children who have been wrongfully taken or kept away from their "habitual residence." This guide provides an overview of the Hague Convention, focusing on the legal and procedural issues judges are likely to encounter during litigation under this treaty. It discusses the purposes served by the Convention, describes its provisions, reviews relevant statutory and case law, and offers practical suggestions for managing Hague cases.

Superseded by The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction: A Guide for Judges, Second Edition (2015).