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Analysis of the Judgment Cass. civ., Sez. I, Ord. n. 24730 of 2024: International Abduction of Minors

The judgment n. 24730 issued by the Court of Cassation on September 16, 2024, takes place within a complex legal context concerning the international abduction of minors. This ruling addresses sensitive issues such as parental consent and the psychological health of the minor involved, D.D., in a context of conflict between the parents A.A. and B.B.

The Legal Issue

The case concerns the transfer of the minor D.D. from France to Italy, which occurred without the father's consent. The Court had to evaluate whether such a transfer constituted an unlawful abduction under the Hague Convention of 1980. The Juvenile Court of Florence had already ordered the repatriation of the minor, establishing that her habitual residence was in France, where she had lived with both parents.

The Court accepted the grounds of appeal regarding the illegitimacy of the contested decree, emphasizing the importance of parental consent in determining the lawfulness of a minor's transfer.

The Psychological Implications

One of the crucial aspects of the ruling concerns the psychological health of the minor. The Court highlighted the need for a thorough assessment of D.D.'s well-being, as she had undergone psychological counseling. The findings indicated the minor's emotional fragility, necessitating a gradual approach to restoring her relationship with the father after a long period of separation.

  • Importance of informed consent between parents
  • Need for psychological evaluations in the context of family conflicts
  • Risks associated with transferring a minor to a non-familiar environment

Conclusions

The judgment n. 24730 of the Court of Cassation represents an important reflection on the balance between parental rights and the welfare of the minor. It reaffirms the centrality of consent in managing custody disputes, highlighting how the law must always protect the best interests of the minor. In a context of increasing international mobility, cases like this require particular attention and a multidisciplinary approach.