Update. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2004
Update. :)
2
Wed, 07-20-2005 - 1:26am

Some of you will remember me. My STBX and I had not been doing well at all with relating to each other and at one point our arguments and differing viewpoints spilled onto this message

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2005
In reply to: iawakened
Wed, 07-20-2005 - 9:12am
Hey Girl.
5yrssm 
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2004
In reply to: iawakened
Wed, 07-20-2005 - 2:16pm

Regarding US decisions in Australia, it is quite possible that the courts there will recognize a custody order under the Hague Convention. I understand that Australia is actually a party to that. That means that you have recourse if things go awry. But my opinion is that putting a child on a plane to go so far is a bad idea unless we are talking about 10 or older. Removing them from their familiar environment and placing them in unknown surroundings, especially if the father is unreliable, unstable, or uncooperative, is a risky thing in my opinion. If the father is absolutely reliable and generally a good father, it is probably ok. But if at anytime the children are afraid or feel threatened, the situation is that much worse being so far from home. But just my opinion and I certainly also realize there is a positive side to going on such a great adventure if dad is a good dad. I would suggest to take a look at some of the websites I listed below. You can find information about Australia in regards to the Hague Convention as well as US policy on passports, child and parent rights, and how to protect against abduction.

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/childabduction.nsf/
http://www.international-divorce.com/child-abduction.htm
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppi/family/family_869.html