IPG Legal Prevails for American Father in International Child Abduction Case under New Korean Baliff Abduction Enforcement System

IPG Legal, one of the most experienced law firms in Korea handling international child abduction cases, has once again secured a significant legal victory with the return of a child from Korea back to the custodial father in the United States. While most of our cases are resolved prior to the need for the execution powers of a court baliff, the present case, regrettably, required the need for a baliff and security guards to enforce a Korean court order for the return of the child back to the United States.

Prior to the present matter, one of the most public and noteworthy cases in the history of Korea’s child abduction jurisprudence was handled by IPG Legal. IPG Legal successfully represented an American father, ensuring the return of his child after 2.5 years of wrongful retention in South Korea by the Korean mother. Because of IPG Legal, the U.S. Government and the Korean Ministry of Justice enforcement of Korean court custodial orders and international return orders are becoming less cumbersome and more efficiently executed but require an attorney with the contacts, experience, and reputation to build a plan; prevail in court in gaining direct and indirect enforcement orders; and make the appropriate contacts to effectively and efficiently execute on the return of the abducted child.

IPG Legal believes it has successfully handled more international child abduction cases than any other law firm in Korea and our reputation has assisted, in recent years, in settling cases prior to the need for cumbersome enforcement procedures, since the defendants in cases know our reputation and success rate and that we even had Korean court orders ordering the detention of non-compliant taking parents.

Strategic Enforcement of Child Return Order under Hague Child Abduction Convention

Successfully enforcing a child return order under the Hague Child Abduction Convention requires meticulous planning, Korean court orders, and strategic collaboration with key Korean and returning government officials. After securing a favorable ruling from the Seoul Family Court, IPG Legal coordinated closely with various governmental officials, including Korean court officers, the Korean Ministry of Justice, and the U.S. Embassy, to ensure a safe and effective enforcement process.

Prior to enforcement, IPG Legal took proactive measures by engaging with court bailiffs and child psychologists multiple times to prepare for a smooth transition. The firm also sought additional support from the U.S. Embassy and the Korean Ministry of Justice, notifying them well in advance to ensure a seamless execution of the enforcement order.

Through meticulous preparation, the child was safely placed under the care of the American father at the first attempt, avoiding unnecessary distress and ensuring compliance with the Hague Convention guidelines.

Securing the Child’s Departure from Korea

Following the enforcement, IPG Legal continued to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and the U.S. Embassy to facilitate the child’s departure from South Korea. In response to an official request from the U.S. Embassy, Korean immigration authorities at Incheon Airport personally oversaw the departure, ensuring the child’s safety throughout the process.

Throughout this time, both the child and the father remained under the careful protection of the U.S. Embassy until their successful departure, marking the conclusion of a well-executed international child abduction case.

Legal Assistance for International Child Abduction Cases

IPG Legal remains committed to advocating for parents facing wrongful child abduction cases in South Korea. If you or someone you know is dealing with a similar situation, please consult our International Child Abduction Guide for essential legal insights and guidance.

If you would like to schedule a call with an attorney at IPG Legal with expertise in child abduction matter, please schedule a call at: Schedule a Call with an Expert on Korean Child Abduction Law.

by Min Kim (Korean Attorney-at-Law)