Video chapters
Quick answer
If there is a real risk of relocation or overseas travel without agreement, get urgent family-law advice. A court can make injunctions and parenting orders, restrict passport use and support placement on the AFP Family Law Watchlist; the Watchlist requires the correct court request or order.
What to do
- Assess — Record the itinerary, threats, tickets and passport position
- Advise — Get urgent advice before confronting or consenting
- Apply — Seek parenting orders or an injunction where necessary
- Notify — Use the AFP Watchlist process only with proper authority
Transcript
If you believe a child is about to be taken interstate or overseas without agreement, do not wait for the airport. Preserve messages, itinerary details, ticket information and passport records. Whether travel is lawful depends on existing orders, current court proceedings, consent and the precise risk to the child.
The family court can make parenting orders and injunctions about where a child lives, travel, passports and removal from Australia. If a parenting case is already on foot, taking a child overseas without written consent or court authority may be a criminal offence. Interstate moves can also be restrained where they affect the child's best interests.
A child is not placed on the airport Watchlist just because a parent calls police. You generally need a qualifying court order, application or request in the required form. A lawyer can seek urgent orders, arrange the AFP documents and ask for passports to be delivered up or controlled.
If the child has already left, urgent recovery and location orders may be available. International cases can engage the Hague Convention, but not every country participates and exceptions can apply. Contact police for immediate danger, and get specialist advice before making accusations or attempting self-help across borders.
Urgent advice should identify the correct court, relief and Watchlist step. Western Australian filings use the Family Court of Western Australia. Go To Court can provide general information at any hour and arrange a family-law consultation where a suitable lawyer is available.
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.