---
title: "Can Quebec courts enforce foreign custody orders? ✦ Goldwater Droit"
meta:
  "og:description": "Quebec courts can enforce foreign custody orders under specific conditions, including jurisdiction and the child's best interests. Understand how the law protects your rights in Quebec. Learn your options."
  "og:title": "Can Quebec courts enforce foreign custody orders?"
  description: "Quebec courts can enforce foreign custody orders under specific conditions, including jurisdiction and the child's best interests. Understand how the law protects your rights in Quebec. Learn your options."
---

# Can Quebec courts enforce foreign custody orders?

Québec courts can recognize and enforce foreign custody judgments through two main legal frameworks: (1) the Civil Code of Québec, articles 3155–3158, governing recognition of foreign judgments (exequatur), and (2) the Act respecting the civil aspects of international and interprovincial child abduction, which implements the 1980 Hague Convention. Enforcement is granted if the foreign court had proper jurisdiction, if procedural fairness was respected, and if the decision does not violate public order or the best interests of the child. The Québec Superior Court may also order a child’s return when the Hague Convention applies, as in W. (V.) v. S. (D.), 1996 2 S.C.R. 108, where the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that Québec courts can compel the return of a child wrongfully retained in the province.

Civil Code of Québec, arts. 3155–3158 (recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments) Act respecting the civil aspects of international and interprovincial child abduction (CQLR, c. A-23.01) Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Convention, 1980) W. (V.) v. S. (D.), [1996] 2 S.C.R. 108, 1996 CanLII 178 (SCC) Droit de la famille – 2067 (QCCA, 1994), Droit de la famille – 072471 (QCCS, 2011)