The Myth of Habitual Residence: Why American Courts Should Adopt the Delvoye Standard for Habitual Residence Under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

Authors

Stephen E. Schwartz, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The article critiques the challenges in determining "habitual residence" under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (HCCAICA), particularly for neonates. It argues that existing standards, such as the settled purpose and Friedrich standards, are overly rigid and unsuitable for infants who cannot form intent. The Delvoye standard is proposed as a more flexible and age-appropriate solution, emphasizing mutual parental intent and adapting to the child's maturity. By adopting this standard, the article contends that courts can better align with HCCAICA's goals of preventing abduction, ensuring prompt returns, and reducing inconsistent rulings.

Disciplines

Courts | Law | Law and Gender

Recommended Citation

Stephen E. Schwartz, The Myth of Habitual Residence: Why American Courts Should Adopt the Delvoye Standard for Habitual Residence Under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, 10 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 691 (2004).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol10/iss3/7