The answer to this question would depend on which jurisdiction your child has been abducted to. We understand that in some contracting states, courts dealing with applications under the Hague Convention are encouraged to proceed with the hearings without the need for the applicant to be present. However, in some cases where an application is strongly defended by the abducting parent, it is possible that the Court may request the attendance of both parents so that both parents can give their evidence in person.