An international custody battle is unfolding after four American children were found in an orphanage in Croatia following an alleged abduction by their mother.
Authorities say Elleshia Anne Seymour fled the United States with her children — Landon, Levi, Hazel, and Jacob — triggering a cross-border search effort. Investigators allege she initially told family members she was in France, but records later showed a far more complex route: a flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, followed by travel onward to Croatia. Officials further claim forged passports were used in the process.
The children were eventually located in a Croatian orphanage, a discovery that brought both relief and fresh legal complications. According to sources familiar with the case, Croatian authorities are now working through diplomatic and legal channels as custody proceedings unfold.
Their father, Kendall Seymour, is now engaged in an intense legal effort to bring his children home. The process involves international law, coordination between multiple governments, and significant financial strain. He faces mounting expenses for international travel, court filings, legal representation, and trauma-focused therapy for the children once reunification is possible.
Complicating matters further, reports indicate a fifth American child was also present in the same orphanage, raising additional questions about documentation, guardianship, and oversight.
Despite the obstacles, Kendall has publicly expressed unwavering determination. Supporters describe him as focused on one goal: reuniting with his children and ensuring their safety.
The case highlights the complexities of international parental abduction — where borders, legal systems, and custody laws collide — and underscores how quickly a family dispute can escalate into a global legal battle.
For now, the path forward depends on international cooperation, court rulings, and the hope that four children will soon return home.