On 22 November 2018, Catelijne Boshouwers, member of the Dutch International Child Abduction Lawyers (DIAL, https://diallawyers.org/) attended a seminar at the Dutch Ambassador’s residence in Madrid. Wendy van de Stroom-Willemsen (chair of our association) joined the panel discussion on behalf of DIAL, together with DIAL board members Catelijne Boshouwers and Titia Coppes. Fellow panel members were Christopher Hames (chair CALA UK), Paola Moreschini (chair ICALI, Italy) Hetty Boone (judge international child abduction section District Court The Hague), Luis Aurelio Gonzalez (judge in Madrid) and Judith Uitermark (criminal judge District Court The Hague). The following matters were the subject of the presentations and the subsequent panel discussion:What do we mean with (cross border) mediation?To what extend is it desirable for mediation to be part of international child abduction cases?To what extend this is implemented in cross border child abduction litigation? In what way cross border mediation is implemented in these cases?We discussed the do’s en don’ts and the differences and similarities in different countries.
It was a very interesting meeting and a nice gathering. On top of that, it was an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums, the Christmas decorations in town and not to forget the delicious Spanish food.
All-in all a succesful and enjoyabale trip!