The last time Estephanie Kisselbach saw her five-year-old son, Kevin Alexander Blanco, was on February 24, 2024, in their Key Biscayne home. "It's been over a year without seeing my son, and he's been without his mom," she tearfully told Univision.
After a challenging divorce, Kisselbach and Kevin's father, Kevin Eduardo Blanco Uribe, had joint custody. Everything shifted when Blanco Uribe indicated he would take Kevin Alexander on a trip to Medellín, Colombia. "He informed me a month prior about a supposed vacation, but that never happened. He took him to Venezuela without my permission," she recounted.
Since then, Kisselbach's contact with her son has been limited to infrequent video calls. "The contact was minimal and inconsistent. Sometimes, two weeks would pass without speaking to my son," she added.
With no sign of her son's return, Kisselbach embarked on a legal battle. Her ex-husband attempted to sue her in Venezuela, but the courts consistently ruled in her favor. "Every ruling ordered the immediate return of my son," she stated.
In August 2024, a Venezuelan court ordered that Kevin be returned to his mother in the United States. However, Estephanie lost all contact with her son following the court's decision.
On March 3, the Venezuelan Supreme Court reaffirmed the order to return Kevin Alexander to his mother. Simultaneously, a U.S. family court is nearing the conclusion of a related legal process. "Currently, the father's rights have been temporarily suspended. Several orders have been issued demanding authorities to return the child to the United States," explained Brett Feinstein, Kisselbach's attorney.
As of now, Kevin's whereabouts remain unknown. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children listed him as last seen in Key Biscayne in February 2024 with his father. Estephanie perseveres in her quest, holding onto hope and seeking assistance to reunite with her son. "I truly wish they would realize the child needs his mother," she concluded, visibly emotional.
If anyone has information regarding the child's location, please contact the missing children hotline at 1 (800) 843-5678.
FAQs About International Child Custody in the U.S. and Venezuela
What legal actions can be taken if a child is taken to another country without consent?
You can initiate legal proceedings in both the country where the child was taken and the home country. International treaties like the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction may also provide avenues for legal recourse.
How can a parent maintain contact with a child taken abroad?
Parents can use various communication tools such as video calls, emails, and social media to maintain contact. Legal measures can also be taken to ensure consistent communication.
What steps should be taken if a court order is ignored?
If a court order is not followed, legal counsel should be sought immediately. Authorities and international agencies can be engaged to enforce compliance with the order.