• 19
  • April
    2011

It seems that the majority of international child custody stories are devoted to discussions of legal developments on the global scene or individual accounts of parents who have had their children unlawfully taken from them.

Today's post, however, will depart from this trend and discuss a rather uplifting story about a Colorado man whose daughter was recently returned to him following an international child abduction last summer.

Bijan Richard of Littleton, Colorado, lost his daughter Megan in June 2010 when the girl's mother, Robin Siler, kidnapped her during a parental visit and took her abroad.

Interestingly, Richard - who had searched far and wide for his daughter for many months -recently received a tip from an informant in Germany.

Specifically, the informant told Richard that after meeting both Siler and Megan, they left feeling that something about their situation seemed wrong. For example, both parties offered the informant conflicting stories about their past with Richard. In light of this situation, the informant went online and discovered Siler's past.

Shortly after being contacted by the informant, Richard traveled to Germany , but was unsuccessful in locating Megan.

"It was very difficult. I was pretty much at wits end," he said. "All hope was lost."

Shortly after his return home to Colorado, however, he received a phone call from his attorney in Germany, informing him that both Megan and Siler had been located by Interpol agents.

Richard immediately flew back to Germany, eagerly anticipating a reunion with his daughter after ten months apart.

"As soon as Megan saw me, she jumped into my arms and yelled 'Daddy," he said. "We hugged for a good two-and-a-half, three minutes, and then she just talked and talked. It was a happy reunion."

The two subsequently returned home to the U.S., where they plan to do "regular Colorado stuff."

As for Robin Siler, she remains in the custody of German authorities and is awaiting extradition back to Colorado, where she is likely to be charged with violating a child custody order, a felony.

If you are currently involved in a child custody/visitation rights dispute or have questions regarding international child custody, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced legal professional.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Stay tuned for more from our Denver divorce blog ...

Related Resources:

Abducted Littleton girl, 5, found in Europe, mother faces charges (KWGN - 2)