Cross-border child abduction from the UK: comparative analysis of Polish and Lithuanian court cases

Abstract This article provides a comprehensive analysis of court cases related to parental child abduction addressed by Polish and Lithuanian courts, with a particular focus on those involving the UK. It aims to shed light on the legal complexities and challenges inherent in resolving such cases, particularly in relation to the interpretation and application of the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction in national legal systems. For this purpose, the article analyses court judgements rendered by Polish and Lithuanian courts over a 5-year period, from 2019 to 2023. By doing so, it seeks to uncover recurring patterns and trends in judicial decision-making processes and highlight any noticeable discrepancies and inconsistencies in legal proceedings. The article not only contributes to the academic discourse in this field but also offers practical insights for legal professionals dealing with cross-border child abduction cases.