Can a family member abduct his or her own child?
Yes! In fact, the majority of abductions are committed by a mother, father, grandparent, or other relative. If a parent takes their child and conceals the child from the other parent, they are committing a crime. California Penal Code 278.5 prohibits the taking, enticing away, or concealing a child in order to deprive a lawful custodian of custody or visitation rights. This section applies to parents, grandparents, and others with child custody rights, who conceal the child. The punishment for this crime is a maximum of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A custody order is not required for a child abduction to have occurred.
