High Court Hague Convention Child Assessment
Specialist child assessments for High Court Hague Convention proceedings — navigating the complexities of international child abduction cases with care and precision.
What Is a Hague Convention Assessment?
Urgent, expert child assessment
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction governs cases where a child has been wrongfully removed to, or retained in, Ireland. High Court proceedings under the Convention operate to strict statutory timelines, and the court may direct an independent assessment to establish the child's views, wishes, attachments, and welfare where these are relevant to the application.
HAPii provides these assessments with the speed, independence, and clinical rigour that Hague Convention proceedings demand — ensuring the child's voice is heard clearly, even within a compressed timeframe.
Hague Convention assessments are typically directed in proceedings involving:
- Applications for the return of a wrongfully removed or retained child
- Article 13 child objection assessments
- Disputes over the child's habitual residence
- Grave risk of harm assessments
- "Settled in new environment" assessments
- Cross-border custody and access disputes
- Urgent High Court directions requiring rapid turnaround
What the Assessment Covers
The child's wishes and views
Age- and maturity-appropriate exploration of the child's expressed views, giving them the weight the court requires under Article 13 of the Convention.
Attachment and stability
Assessment of the child's attachments, routines, and degree of settlement in their current environment relative to the country of habitual residence.
Risk and grave harm factors
A careful, evidence-based analysis of any risk of physical or psychological harm to the child that may arise from return.
The Assessment Process
Urgent instruction
HAPii confirms availability within days given the Convention's six-week statutory timeline, and scopes the specific referral question.
Rapid documentation review
Review of court papers, affidavits, and any prior professional reports relevant to the application.
Direct child consultation
One or a small number of age-appropriate sessions with the child, conducted sensitively given the time pressure inherent in Hague proceedings.
Report to the High Court
A focused written report addressing the specific matters directed by the court, delivered within the tight statutory timeframe.
The Hague Convention Report
The report addresses:
- The specific questions directed by the court
- The child's expressed views and wishes, weighted by age and maturity
- Findings on habitual residence indicators where relevant
- Analysis of attachment, stability, and settlement
- Risk and grave harm considerations
- Evidence-based conclusions and recommendations
Recommendations may address:
- Whether the child's views should weigh against return
- Safeguards to accompany any return order
- Contact and transition arrangements
- Therapeutic supports for the child
- Any other matter directed by the court
HAPii assessors are available to give oral evidence in court where required, within the Convention's tight timescales.
Fees & Referral
Fees
Fees reflect the urgency and compressed turnaround required in Hague Convention proceedings, the scope of the assessment, and whether court attendance is required.
Payment terms:
- 50% deposit on receipt of instruction
- Balance invoiced on report delivery
- Court attendance fees agreed separately where applicable
- Invoices and receipts provided
Referral Process
- Court direction or urgent instruction received naming HAPii or directing an independent assessment.
- Solicitor contacts HAPii immediately to confirm availability given the Convention's timescales.
- HAPii confirms acceptance and turnaround within 1 working day given the urgency.
- Assessment commences on receipt of all required documentation and signed consents.
Required documentation:
- Court direction or order
- Signed consents from all relevant parties
- Relevant court papers and affidavits
- Previous professional reports
Ready to make a referral?
Contact HAPii to discuss an urgent Hague Convention assessment, confirm availability, and agree timelines and fees.