Partners Molly Sharma and Jonathan Standeford 2025 ISFL Presenters Oslo, Norway

Our esteemed partners, Molly Sharma and Jonathan Standeford, were honored with the opportunity to deliver speeches on the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Rights of Custody, specifically focusing on unmarried individuals. This prestigious conference took place in Oslo, Norway, at the European Regional for the International Society of Family Law in May 2025.

During their presentations, Molly and Jonathan shed light on the heightened challenges faced by unmarried parents when their child is abducted internationally from one contracting state to another. They delved into the intricacies of determining the right to seek the return of a minor child after a wrongful retention, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of custody, and the process of securing the return of wrongful removed children. Additionally, they addressed the implications of same-sex marriages on cases proceeding under the Hague Convention, highlighting the need for recognition and inclusion in these proceedings.

Jonathan and Molly’s commitment to research, education, and the development of family law practices in the context of Hague Convention cases is truly commendable. Their dedication has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and application of these conventions in real-world scenarios.