North Carolina Hague Child Abduction Lawyer
File or defend a Hague Convention case with speed and accuracy. We handle return petitions, defenses, emergency orders, and cross-border service so your case moves fast and your orders hold in North Carolina and abroad.
Your Hague Convention Lawyer
Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years handling cross-border custody, Hague Child Abduction return petitions and defenses, travel restrictions, and coordination with the U.S. Central Authority and foreign counsel.
Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars in Guilford County; Hague matters filed in state or federal court as strategy dictates.
Start by situation
Fast answers
What the Convention does: It returns children to their habitual residence so the home court can decide custody. It is not a full custody trial.
Deadlines move quickly: Return cases are expedited. Early filings and complete exhibits help you keep control of the schedule.
Defenses are narrow: Grave risk, child’s objections, consent/acquiescence, and one-year/settled—each needs precise facts and proof.
Interim safety orders: We seek travel holds, passport surrender, and safe-harbor language so agencies and schools follow the order.
Related: Interstate & International • Child Custody • Appeals & Post-Judgment
Filing a Hague return petition
We assemble a complete packet: jurisdiction facts, proof of habitual residence, your rights of custody, and certified translations where needed. We file in the right court and request expedited handling and provisional orders that keep the child in place while the case proceeds.
Defending a Hague application
When you are the respondent, we evaluate defenses quickly, gather admissible evidence, and prepare for a focused hearing. We address safety concerns and interim care, and we pursue settlement where it serves the child.
Habitual residence and rights of custody
We document the child’s life: school, doctors, activities, and the parents’ shared intent, along with orders or laws giving you custody rights capable of being exercised.
Article 13(b) grave risk
Grave risk requires serious, specific proof. We organize records, expert reports when appropriate, and propose protective measures if return is ordered.
Child’s objection
Judges can consider a mature child’s views. We handle process and presentation so the court hears from qualified professionals and respects the Convention’s limits.
One-year and well-settled
Timing and settlement in a new environment matter. We address dates, delays, and equitable tolling issues with a clean record.
Provisional relief
- Travel restrictions and passport surrender
- Neutral exchange and supervised contact where appropriate
- Safe-harbor and notice terms schools and agencies can follow
International service and evidence
We use the Hague Service Convention when available; otherwise letters rogatory or treaty-compliant alternatives. Exhibits are organized, translated, and authenticated so the court can rely on them.
What to bring
- Existing custody orders and any pending cases
- Passports, travel itineraries, visas, and school/medical records
- Messages and emails about moves, consent, or objections
- Proof of residence, employment, and the child’s activities
- Police reports or protective orders if safety is at issue
Your first 72 hours with our team
1) Venue & Convention check
Confirm applicability, court choice, and urgent relief.
2) Evidence pack
Habitual residence, custody rights, translations, and affidavits.
3) File & serve
Expedited filing with provisional orders; Hague Service if abroad.
4) Hearing prep
Focused issues, exhibits, witness outlines, and settlement options.
5) Enforceable orders
Clear language agencies and schools can implement immediately.
FAQs
Is a Hague case the same as a custody case?
How fast do Hague cases move?
What defenses can stop a return?
Which court hears a Hague petition in North Carolina?
Can I get travel blocks and passport surrender?
Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates
- 20+ years in interstate & international family law
- Return petitions, defenses, and enforceable provisional orders
- Hague Service, translations, and clean exhibits
- Orders schools, employers, and agencies can follow
Client reviews
L. Romero — “K.E. Culbertson filed fast, kept us in North Carolina, and the court put travel holds in place. Focused, calm, and effective.”
Amir S. — “Mr. Culbertson explained grave risk in plain English and built a tight record with experts. The judge took it seriously.”
H. Nguyen — “They coordinated service overseas and handled translations. Zero surprises, steady communication.”
S. Patel — “We were respondents. The team pushed for safe-harbor terms and a practical outcome for our child.”
M. Davis — “Culbertson and Associates got the order schools could follow immediately. Professional from start to finish.”
R. Thompson — “Crisp filings, clear timelines, and real care for our family. We felt in good hands the whole way.”
Visit Our Greensboro Office
Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 272-4299 • culbertsonatlaw.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Related resources: Interstate & International
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