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Child Custody Lawyer in Thailand
Custody, visitation, legitimation, and Hague-Convention child-abduction cases — best-interests-of-the-child standard.
Quick Answer
Under the Thai Civil & Commercial Code (Sec. 1566), married parents share parental power. Contested custody is decided by the Central Juvenile & Family Court on the best-interests standard. Uncontested agreement from THB 25,000.
Services
- ✓ Uncontested custody agreement + Amphur filing
- ✓ Contested custody trial
- ✓ Legitimation of out-of-wedlock child
- ✓ Visitation & holiday schedule
- ✓ International travel consent order
- ✓ Hague child-abduction return application
- ✓ Enforcement of foreign custody order
- ✓ Modification of existing custody order
- ✓ Guardian ad litem appointment
- ✓ Social welfare officer coordination
FAQ
- Who gets custody by default in Thailand?
- For children born in wedlock: both parents share parental power (Sec. 1566 CCC). For out-of-wedlock children: sole legal custody vests in the mother until the father legitimizes via court order or marriage.
- How is custody decided in a contested case?
- The Central Juvenile & Family Court applies the best-interests-of-the-child standard (Sec. 1520–1522 CCC), considering child's age, wishes (if 7+), each parent's caregiving history, financial capacity, and social welfare officer report.
- Can I take my child out of Thailand?
- Only with the other parent's written consent OR a court order. Removing a child without consent may constitute wrongful removal under the Hague Convention on Child Abduction (Thailand acceded 2002).
- Cost?
- Uncontested custody agreement (drafting + Amphur filing): THB 25,000. Contested custody trial: THB 150,000–400,000. Hague return application: THB 250,000+ (typically via MOJ Central Authority).
Contact: 083-249-4999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@ilc.ltd