Jonathan R. Standeford

What is your opinion on the law / case law on child relocation in your country?
My opinion on the law regarding child relocation is that it varies greatly depending on the location of the children’s habitual residence (under the Hague Convention) and the home state of the minor child (under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act). Various states have different approaches on how to handle a relocation matter depending on whether it is intrastate, interstate, or international based on how the non-relocating parent intends to proceed forward and if there is the desire or ability to relocate with the child. The case law on this matter specifically in Illinois varies depending on the County and Appellate Court in which the matter is being heard.

When did you first handle a child abduction case?
The first international abduction case I was a part of was immediately upon being sworn into the Illinois Bar in 2020. I have worked closely with Molshree “Molly” Sharma on international abductions which involved representing the left behind parents in securing the necessary court order and drafting the requisite documents for applications under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. As of 2024, I have been engaged and assisted in matters involving countries that have signed the Hague Convention and those who have not, specifically involving Canada, Germany, Australia, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Why is it interesting for you as a lawyer to work on these cases?
These matters are interesting to me because they require immediate attention and fierce advocacy. Nearly all the international abduction cases require cooperation from attorneys internationally and the application of various laws which require an extra level of effort and attention from the attorney. Additionally, with the high stakes of the matter, it is imperative to have the ability to help the parent not only legally, but also make plans and necessary steps to resolve the matter.

What makes a child abduction case different from other cases?
Complex and immediate attention required. Unlike most dissolution of marriage or parentage cases, there is a large focus on jurisdiction and the ability to enforce jurisdictional questions.

Which child abduction case will you never forget?
I was involved in a matter where a minor child was abducted to India and after multiple years, the minor child was finally secured by the left-behind parent. Upon the minor child’s return to the left-behind parent’s custody, horrific details of physical and sexual abuse were discovered that were known to the abducting parent, but nothing was done. After a multiday trial, our firm successfully defended a request for the return of the minor child to India and were able to get the minor child the ability to be heard in court through the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem. Now the child is able to have therapy, engage in the community, and have a healthy remainder of the childhood. Since the matter resolved, the minor child has shown great signs of improvement physically, and has been able enjoy childhood.

What is your advice to parents dealing with international child abduction?
Access resources. There are so many positive resources including support groups, websites, and therapists that can help understand what is happening, why it may be happening, and receive the support and outlet necessary to remain mentally and emotionally strong through one of the most difficult situations a parent can be involved in.