The Maryland Judiciary participated in an international law conference held in South America this month. Prince George’s County Circuit Judge Cathy Hollenberg Serrette represented the judiciary at the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) in Guyana. The event, which took place from July 13 to 15, centered on topics such as international family law, legal cooperation, and commerce.
Judge Serrette, who coordinates the family division of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, spoke about the practical applications of the Hague Child Abduction Convention. This treaty, established by the HCCH, addresses parental abduction across national borders and aims to expedite the return of children wrongfully taken by a parent from one member country to another.
“The point of the convention is not to establish custody, but rather to get children who have been wrongfully removed back to their habitual residence where a custody case may be held,” Judge Serrette explained to conference delegates. “The language of the Hague convention provides mechanisms for getting children back to their residence and protecting their best interests.”
The conference attracted attorneys general, judges, bar association members, and child welfare professionals from South America and the Caribbean regions including Curaçao, Aruba, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, Brazil, Argentina, and Guyana. The HCCH has been a prominent entity in private international law since its formation in 1893 with a mission “to work for the progressive unification of the rules of private international law.”
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera endorsed Judge Serrette's participation in this event. “I am pleased that Judge Serrette was able to represent the Maryland Judiciary at this important event to help clarify and facilitate the practical applications of the Hague Child Abduction Convention, better protect the interests of children, and encourage cooperation and understanding among international justice stakeholders,” stated Chief Judge Barbera.