How do I enforce the custody order if the other parent takes our child to another country?

When a child who is a U.S. citizen is illegally kept outside of this country, the U.S. State Department’s Office of Children’s Issues will work with the local U.S. embassy and the other country’s government to assist the child and the lawful custodial parent. However, because child custody disputes are private legal disputes between the two parents, the State Department has no jurisdiction to force the other parent to obey a court order. If the parents cannot reach an agreement, this kind of child custody dispute often must be resolved by judicial proceedings in the country where the child and the other parent are living. The State Department will help the lawful custodial parent to file the appropriate documents with the foreign authorities. It also will monitor and report on the foreign judicial or administrative proceedings.

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1. I want to change the physical custody of my children. What do I do?
2. Do I need an attorney to file a Motion to Change Custody?
3. Can the FOC assist parties in reaching an agreement regarding custody?
4. If a motion for custody has been filed, and the parents cannot reach an agreement on their own, what will the FOC do?
5. May I receive a copy of the FOC’s custody report and recommendation?
6. What happens if I have custody according to the court’s order, but the other parent does not return the child to me as required by the order?
7. How do I enforce the custody order if the other parent takes our child to another country?
8. Is the FOC allowed to investigate child abuse or neglect?
9. If I change my mind and want to stop my request for a custody change, what must I do?
10. If I object to the Referee’s Recommendation, what can I do?