Know your rights ·

My child was not returned after a visit

General information for New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC · Last updated

Quick answer

Determine whether the child is safe, where they are, and what the order requires; seek urgent help when necessary.

Do now

Keep the order and agreed return details available. Save messages and attempted contacts. Contact law enforcement for a missing child or immediate danger, and obtain urgent legal advice about enforcement or recovery procedures.

Watch for

Do not pursue a dangerous confrontation or cross borders to seize the child. International removals require specialized assistance; ordinary enforcement and emergency recovery use different procedures.

Official sources

NJ Courts — Representing Yourself, DC Code § 16-4602.01 — Initial child-custody jurisdiction, NY Courts — Custody and Visitation, US State Department — International Child-Abduction Prevention.

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