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My Ex Took Our Child Out of the Country Without My Consent

“My ex took our child out of the country without my consent”

A child being taken abroad without the required consent is both a family law matter and, potentially, a criminal one, and it typically needs action in more than one country at once.

This is one of the most frightening situations a parent can face, and time matters. This page explains, in general terms, the kinds of steps that are usually available — it is not a substitute for urgent legal advice. LEXNOVA Legal Connect can help you describe your situation and find a lawyer who handles these cases.

LAST REVIEWED 21 SEPTEMBER 2026

WHERE THIS IS HANDLED

A combination of UAE police, the Public Prosecution or family court (to register a travel ban and pursue the domestic case), and, where the child has already left, the courts and authorities of the country the child was taken to.

How the answer changes by jurisdiction

  • Dubai mainland

    A parent can generally apply to place a travel ban on a child, which prevents the child leaving the UAE without the required consent. If this wasn't in place before your child left, a lawyer can advise on getting one in place now, alongside any onward legal steps.

  • DIFC

    DIFC has no family law jurisdiction and cannot itself issue a child travel ban. Any application goes through the onshore Dubai process.

  • Abu Dhabi mainland

    The same general travel-ban mechanism is available through the Abu Dhabi authorities, and Abu Dhabi's Civil Family Court may also be relevant depending on your circumstances.

  • ADGM

    ADGM has no family law jurisdiction. Any application is handled through the onshore Abu Dhabi process.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NEXT

STEP 01

Report it immediately

Go to the police as soon as you realise what's happened. A prompt report creates an official record and can trigger steps to prevent further travel or assist in locating your child.

STEP 02

Check on and strengthen any travel ban

If a travel ban was already registered for your child, find out why it didn't prevent this trip and whether it needs to be renewed or corrected. If none was in place, a lawyer can help you apply for one now, both to address the current situation and to protect against future travel.

STEP 03

Understand this can be both a family and a criminal matter

Depending on the circumstances — including any existing custody or guardianship arrangement — removing a child without the required consent can carry criminal, not just family-law, consequences. A lawyer can assess which applies to your situation.

STEP 04

Get legal advice in both countries

Because your child is now in another country, you typically need legal advice there as well as in the UAE. The two processes need to work together, and a lawyer in each country can coordinate.

STEP 05

Understand the UAE's position on international recognition

The UAE has not joined the main international treaty most countries use to arrange the return of abducted children. That doesn't mean nothing can be done — it means the process is likely to run through separate legal steps in each country involved, rather than a single fast-track mechanism. A lawyer can explain what that means for your specific case.

STEP 06

Use diplomatic and consular channels alongside legal ones

Your embassy, and your child's if different, may be able to offer welfare checks or guidance, alongside — not instead of — formal legal steps.

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Tell Us About Your Situation.

The matter type is already set to Family, so the form begins with your location. LEXNOVA is a lawyer-matching service, not a law firm — any legal advice comes directly from the independent legal professional you are connected with.

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FAQ

Report it to the police, and start gathering anything showing your child was taken without the consent required — messages, travel documents, any existing custody arrangement.

It can be, depending on the circumstances, including any existing custody or guardianship arrangement. A lawyer can assess your specific situation.

It's a flag placed on a child's name that immigration authorities check before allowing them to leave the country. A parent can generally apply for one — a lawyer can guide you through the process, whether you're trying to prevent a first departure or respond after one has happened.

There can be several reasons — from how it was registered to the documents used for travel. A lawyer can help establish what happened and what to do next.

Not on its own, once your child is in another country — you'll generally also need legal steps in that country. A UAE lawyer can advise on the domestic side and coordinate with counsel abroad.

No — the UAE has not joined that treaty, which is what many countries rely on for a streamlined return process. This makes coordinated, separate legal action in each country involved more important, not less possible.

This affects the legal picture in that country and should be raised directly with a lawyer there, alongside your UAE lawyer.

Yes, it's generally worth doing so — they may offer welfare checks or practical guidance, though they won't replace formal legal action.

In some circumstances, depending on the facts of the case and whether a criminal element is involved. Your lawyer can advise on whether this is a realistic avenue for your case.

It's still worth acting immediately. A lawyer can advise on what can be done even without a prior written arrangement.

Very likely, yes. Tell your family lawyer immediately if you already have a case in progress, since this development is likely to be highly relevant to it.

It varies enormously depending on the countries involved and the specific facts, so we won't give a general timeframe here. A lawyer familiar with both jurisdictions can give you a realistic picture.

This can become relevant depending on the child's age and the legal frameworks involved. It's a sensitive point best discussed directly with your lawyer.

This needs careful legal advice before you act — attempting to retrieve a child outside the proper legal process can create serious complications, including for you personally. Don't do this without guidance first.

Anything relating to custody or guardianship, your child's travel documents and passport details, and a clear timeline of what's happened, including any communication with your ex about the trip.

No — LEXNOVA is not a law firm and doesn't take legal action on your behalf. LEXNOVA Legal Connect can help you describe your situation urgently and find a lawyer who handles cross-border child cases.

LEXNOVA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal opinions, legal representation, or legal services. Any legal advice or representation is provided directly by the independent legal professional engaged by the client.

A connection or introduction does not constitute a guarantee, endorsement, or assurance of outcome. Users should independently confirm the professional's qualifications, authorization, fees, scope of engagement, and suitability.

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