I was contacted by a young Father with an awful predicament. He has been married to an immigrant from Nicaragua for the last 7 years here in Atlantic County, New Jersey. They have a 4 year old son. In mid-July, his wife, with the husband's consent, went home to visit family in Nicaragua with their 4 year old son. The trip was supposed to be for 10 days. This was not unusual for them. She had done it before with no problems. However, this time his wife subsequently advised him that she was not coming back to the USA and was keeping their son. He flew down to Central America to try to reason with his wife but got no where. He actually visited some Attorneys in Nicaragua but couldn't get any sound advice. He contemplated running off with his son but feared ending up in a Nicaraguan jail. He is back in the USA and has contacted me.
I am not well versed in International Law, but I knew enough to look at the Haig Convention. I quickly learned that Nicaragua is not a signatory to the Hague Convention with the United States. I told this Father that I could likely get him an emergent custody order in New Jersey, but after that, I am not sure what I can do but send him back to Nicaragua and hope that their legal system down there would help him.
I am inclined to refer him to someone with expertise in International Custody disputes if anyone has any referrals for that but I would also listen to any advice on list or direct to
[email protected]. This Father is a truly nice person. He is a school teacher. There is no unflattering history on his side that I could discern. This is an awful situation for him and I'd like to get him some help. Thanks.
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Michael A. Gill, Esq.
660 New Road
Northfield, N.J. 08225
609-646-0222
www.gmslaw.com------------------------------