Child Abduction in Maryland: A Parent’s Worst Fear, A Legal Battle We’re Ready to Fight

Fighting for Your Child’s Safe Return with Relentless Advocacy & Compassion

There is no greater terror than realizing your child has been taken from you. The sudden, gut-wrenching fear, the uncertainty of where they are, the endless questions racing through your mind—Are they safe? Are they scared? Will I ever see them again?—can be unbearable. When a child is unlawfully taken by a parent, relative, or another party, time is of the essence. Every passing second matters, and swift, decisive legal action is critical to ensuring their safe return.

At our firm, we know that nothing is more important than your child. We stand with parents in the most desperate moments of their lives, providing compassionate support, aggressive legal representation, and an unwavering commitment to reuniting families. Whether you are facing parental abduction, an international custody dispute, or the unlawful retention of your child, we are here to fight for you. You are not alone in this battle—we will stand beside you and do everything in our power to bring your child home.

What is Child Abduction Under Maryland Law?

Child abduction occurs when a child is unlawfully taken or wrongfully kept from their legal guardian without consent. Maryland law recognizes several forms of child abduction, including:

  • Parental Kidnapping – When one parent violates a custody agreement by taking or keeping the child without legal authority.
  • Family Abduction – When a relative, such as a grandparent, uncle, or sibling, removes a child from their lawful guardian.
  • Stranger Abduction – A rare but devastating crime where a non-relative unlawfully takes a child.
  • International Abduction – When a child is taken across international borders in violation of U.S. or foreign custody laws.

Maryland courts take child abduction seriously, and legal remedies exist to ensure that your child is located, recovered, and returned safely to you as soon as possible.

Parental Kidnapping in Maryland: When Custody Agreements Are Ignored

One of the most common forms of child abduction occurs within families. A parent, out of anger, desperation, or a misguided sense of protection, may take a child in violation of a custody order. Parental abduction is a criminal offense in Maryland and can lead to:

  • Criminal charges, including felony prosecution
  • Loss of custody rights and restricted visitation
  • Immediate court orders demanding the child’s return
  • Intervention by law enforcement and federal agencies

If your child has been taken by their other parent against court orders, you must act quickly. Our attorneys move fast to file emergency motions, enforce custody agreements, and work with law enforcement to bring your child home.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Abducted

When your child is taken, panic is natural, but action is critical. The faster you act, the higher the likelihood of a safe and swift recovery. If you believe your child has been abducted:

  1. Call Law Enforcement Immediately – File a police report and request an Amber Alert if the situation meets the criteria.
  2. Contact a Family Law Attorney – We will file emergency custody motions and work with local, federal, and international authorities to recover your child.
  3. Gather All Evidence – Save emails, text messages, social media interactions, travel records, and witness statements that may help locate your child.
  4. Notify Schools and Transportation Services – Inform teachers, daycare providers, and other caregivers that your child is missing and may be at risk.
  5. Act Quickly in International Cases – If your child has been taken abroad, legal action under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction may be required.

We specialize in high-stakes emergency legal intervention, fighting relentlessly to reunite families. Time is of the essence, and our legal team is prepared to take immediate action.

Preventing Child Abduction in Custody Disputes

If you fear your child may be taken, proactive legal measures can prevent a crisis before it happens. We help parents secure:

  • Emergency custody orders that restrict travel
  • Supervised visitation requirements for at-risk parents
  • Legal motions blocking international travel without permission
  • Court-ordered security measures to prevent abduction

If you suspect an abduction is imminent, do not wait—legal protections can stop it before it happens.

Fighting for the Safe Return of Your Child

When a child has been unlawfully taken, every second counts. Our attorneys:

  • Work aggressively with law enforcement to locate and recover your child
  • File emergency court motions demanding their immediate return
  • Navigate complex federal and international custody laws
  • Hold abductors accountable through criminal and civil legal action
  • Secure long-term custody protections to prevent future abduction risks

We know that no legal battle is more urgent than bringing your child home. We will not stop until your child is safely back in your arms.

Why Choose Our Maryland Child Abduction Attorneys?

  • Unparalleled Experience in Family & International Law – We handle even the most complex abduction cases, including those involving international custody disputes.
  • Rapid Emergency Action – When every second matters, we act swiftly to secure your child’s return.
  • Fierce Legal Advocacy – We fight relentlessly in and out of the courtroom to protect your parental rights.
  • Compassionate & Determined Representation – We understand the fear and heartbreak you are facing, and we are committed to guiding you through every step with care and strength.

Your child’s safety is not negotiable, and we are here to fight for their swift, safe return with everything we have.

Contact a Maryland Child Abduction Lawyer Today

The terror of not knowing where your child is or if they are safe is every parent’s worst nightmare—but you do not have to face this nightmare alone. We are ready to fight for you, to fight for your child, and to fight for the justice your family deserves.

📞 Call us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you take control of your future and move forward with confidence.

Take the first step toward bringing your child home, restoring your peace of mind, and ensuring that this never happens again. Your family’s future depends on it.

Reviews

Edwards Family Law Group was incredible during my custody case. Attorney Charles Edwards was compassionate, thorough, and fiercely protective of my rights. His preparation and courtroom confidence secured me primary custody and a fair settlement. The entire team was supportive, communicative, and professional. I couldn’t have asked for better representation!

Jason T. Miller

Edwards Family Law Group exceeded all my expectations. They were professional, compassionate, and incredibly effective in helping me win custody of my children. Their clear communication and strong advocacy made a stressful process so much easier. I’m beyond grateful for their attorneys and the team’s dedication!

Amanda J. Carter

Attorney Charles Edwards was sharp, supportive, and fought hard for my family. His expertise and genuine care gave me confidence throughout, and the outcome was not only better than I hoped, but much better than the “best case scenario” that had been communicated to me by my former lawyers at other respected law firms. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of family law help!

Daniel R. Matthews

Edwards Family Law Group was amazing! My case was handled with professionalism and compassion, helping me secure custody of my children and a fair settlement. Their attorneys were always prepared, kept me informed, and truly cared about my family. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

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Edwards Family Law Group provided exceptional service during a very difficult time. Attorney Charles Edwards was knowledgeable, compassionate, and always one step ahead. Thanks to his hard work and the work of the Edwards Family Law Group team, I achieved the best possible outcome for my custody case. I’m forever grateful for their dedication and support!

Megan R. Collins

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Eric D. Hayes

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Attorney Charles Edwards at Edwards Family Law Group made an overwhelming process manageable. His professionalism and dedication ensured I achieved the best possible outcome for my family. I am forever grateful!

Michael P. Turner

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Sarah J. Coleman

Edwards Family Law Group exceeded my expectations. Their attorneys were true advocates for me during my custody case. They were professional, compassionate, and always prepared. I’m so thankful for everyone’s hard work at the Edwards Family Law Group.

Jason T. Carter

I can’t thank Edwards Family Law Group enough for their help during my divorce. Attorney Charles Edwards was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, helping me secure a fair settlement and move forward with confidence.

Megan L. Parker

Edwards Family Law Group is amazing! Attorney Charles Edwards provided outstanding representation in my custody case. His dedication and attention to detail made all the difference. I highly recommend this team!

Eric D. Thompson

I’m so grateful to Edwards Family Law Group. Attorney Charles Edwards was compassionate, professional, and relentless in securing a great outcome for my custody case. I highly recommend their services.

Lisa K. Martin

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Brian J. Matthews

I had an excellent experience Edwards Family Law Group. Attorney Charles Edwards was confident, thorough, and always available to answer my questions. The team’s dedication gave me peace of mind throughout the process.

Jennifer A. Reed

Edwards Family Law Group was a lifesaver during my divorce. Attorney Charles Edwards was brilliant, kind, and incredibly effective in court. I’m beyond grateful for his hard work and support!

Daniel H. Foster

Edwards Family Law Group was a true blessing during my divorce. Attorney Charles Edwards was attentive, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. He walked me through every step of the process, making sure I understood my options. His courtroom presence was remarkable, and he fought hard to secure a favorable custody agreement for me and my children.

The entire team was responsive and supportive throughout. I highly recommend them to anyone needing family law assistance!

Olivia K. Jennings

I can’t thank Edwards Family Law Group enough for their help. Attorney Charles Edwards was amazing—he made a stressful custody battle feel manageable with his clear communication and calm demeanor. He was thorough in his preparation and fought hard in court to ensure the best outcome for my family.

I now have joint custody of my daughter and can finally move forward with confidence. This team is compassionate, professional, and extremely skilled!

Ethan R. Mitchell

Edwards Family Law Group was fantastic from start to finish. Attorney Charles Edwards handled my complex custody case with care and expertise. He always kept me informed, and his compassion made a difficult time much easier to handle. In court, he was sharp and effective, securing a great outcome for me and my children.

The team’s support and professionalism were unmatched. I highly recommend them!

Grace M. Parker

I had a great experience with Edwards Family Law Group. Attorney Charles Edwards was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cared about my case. He was patient with all of my questions and made sure I was comfortable throughout the process. His courtroom skills were top-notch, and he fought hard to get me a fair settlement and custody arrangement.

I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. Thank you for everything!

Liam J. Collins

Attorney Charles Edwards at Edwards Family Law Group was a lifesaver. He handled my custody case with such grace and determination, ensuring that my voice was heard in court. Attorney Edwards was always available to provide updates and answer my concerns, which helped ease my anxiety.

His hard work paid off, and I now have a custody arrangement that works for my family. This firm is professional, compassionate, and delivers results. I highly recommend them!

Sophia T. Morgan

I’m so grateful for Edwards Family Law Group. Their attorneys worked tirelessly on my divorce case and helped me achieve a fair settlement. They were thorough, responsive, and always made me feel like a priority. Their courtroom strategy was impressive and led to a successful outcome. The team’s support made a difficult time much easier. I can’t recommend them enough!

Jacob L. Turner

Edwards Family Law Group is exceptional! Attorney Charles Edwards provided me with outstanding representation during my custody case. He was compassionate, detail-oriented, and always prepared. His professionalism in court was impressive, and he made sure I was confident throughout the process.

Thanks to Edwards Family Law Group, I now have primary custody of my kids and peace of mind. This firm truly cares about their clients!

Emily B. Harper

Working with Edwards Family Law Group was the best decision I made. Attorney Charles Edwards guided me through a challenging divorce with patience and expertise. He always kept me informed and made sure I understood what to expect. His attention to detail and preparation in court were incredible, leading to a favorable custody and financial arrangement.

I highly recommend this team—they are compassionate and highly effective!

Noah P. Harris

I had a great experience with Edwards Family Law Group. Attorney Charles Edwards was amazing—he was kind, professional, and always available to answer my questions. He helped me navigate a tough custody dispute and fought hard for what was best for my kids.

His dedication and expertise were evident in court, and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you to the entire team for your support!

Mia R. Bennett

Edwards Family Law Group made a huge difference in my life. Attorney Charles Edwards handled my divorce with professionalism and empathy. He took the time to understand my case and provided clear, realistic advice every step of the way.

His skill in court was impressive, and he worked hard to secure a fair settlement and custody arrangement. I’m forever thankful for his dedication. I highly recommend this firm!

Andrew K. Foster