Parent flees with child before a divorce is filed

My son's wife fled with my grandson before any type of action was done in court. The lawyer is telling my son that nothing can be done until she is found and served. I want to know what can be done in a case like this one. This happened in Texas.

Dad can sue for divorce and child custody and serve mom by publication. This costs about $300. However, dad shouldn't wait too long - if the child is out of state for 6 months, TX loses jurisdiction.

If dad gets custody (which he will as the only parent), he can file kidnapping charges against mom.

Dad should also request temporary costody pending the divorce. If granted, he can file the charges sooner and has a better chance of finding mom.

Tell him to prepare for a nasty fight. I imagine mom is going to claim abuse/molestation/drug use, and anything else she can think of.

Good luck,
Tracey

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.