Judge James Garbolino, Judge Catherine Serrette, and Judge Peter Messitte cover the basic elements of a Hague Convention case, including the specific requirements of the Convention, the most common defenses and their applicable standards of proof, available sources of law, and

This article describes the use of undertakings in 1980 Hague Convention cases. Undertakings are official promises, concessions, or agreements given to a court. They are typically given in Hague Convention cases by the parent who has petitioned for the child’s return. 

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.” The Convention entered into force in the United States in 1988. 

The Pérez-Vera Report is the product of the official reporter for the 1980 sessions of the Hague Conference that led to the approval of the Convention.