Should you track your kids to prevent a parental abduction?

 Posted on September 14, 2021 in Divorce

Unfortunately, some people find themselves in a situation where they feel that the other parent may leave with their children unexpectedly. They may already have frequent arguments about the custody schedule or be dealing with threats of fleeing or withholding custody.

It’s important for parents to be able to take steps to prevent a parental abduction. One of those possible steps could be to use a tracking app to see where your children are. Can you use it though? Is it legal to do so?

Location devices and your kids

It is pretty typical for kids to have location devices in today’s world. Smartphones and smartwatches have location settings and parental controls that may allow you to track your child’s location if necessary. Of course, this device has to be with them, or else it won’t be any help.

That said, if you want to have your child tracked, which can be a good idea when they’re traveling between homes or walking home from school, for example, then you may want to discuss this as an option with the other parent. If they agree, then you can purchase a smart device and ask your child to keep it on them at all times.

Another option is to go to the court and ask for a court order to keep a location tracker on your child’s school bag or person. A judge may agree if you have evidence to support your concern that the other parent may try to run away with your child. You may also request that the court would enforce a tracker on your ex-partner or ex-spouse so that their location can be identified if they don’t arrive with your children on time.

Usually, this is a situation in which you will need dual consent to place a tracking device in your children’s belongings or on the other party. However, if a judge agrees that there is a kidnapping or abduction risk, then they may order that everyone, or only certain people, involved in the case use a location tracking app so that they can easily be found in an emergency.