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Quick answer
A recovery order can require a child to be returned and authorise police to find and recover the child. File an urgent parenting application with a focused affidavit; if the child's location is unknown, ask about location or Commonwealth information orders as well.
What to do
- Safety — Call police or child protection for immediate danger
- Evidence — Build a precise timeline, location clues and risk material
- File — Seek recovery relief in the correct parenting application
- Implement — Give the sealed order and information sheet to police
Transcript
A child has not been returned, or you no longer know where they are. If there is immediate danger, contact police and the relevant child protection agency now. A recovery order is the family court order that can require return and authorise police to find, recover and deliver the child.
You may be able to apply if you are a parent, a person named in parenting orders, a grandparent, or another person concerned with the child's care, welfare and development. If no family case exists, the recovery request is usually made within a new parenting application. Existing proceedings use a different application form.
Prepare an affidavit with the last handover, agreed return time, every contact attempt, known addresses, vehicle and travel details, the child's needs, current orders and the likely effect if the child is not returned. If the location is unknown, ask about a location order or Commonwealth information order. Seek only the orders the evidence supports.
The court does not physically recover children. Once made, give the sealed order and required information to the Australian Federal Police or other person named. Be ready to receive the child, and notify the court after return. Never publish identifying details unless a court has authorised publication.
The form, affidavit and requested wording must fit the existing case and the actual risk. Go To Court can provide free general information at any hour and arrange an urgent family-law consultation where a suitable lawyer is available. The contact details are on your screen.
Sources and further help
Sources checked 3 September 2026.
Important
This video provides general information about family law in Australia. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. Parenting decisions turn on the child's best interests and safety; property outcomes turn on the evidence and circumstances. Laws and court processes can change. Get advice from a qualified lawyer about your situation.