1. Inter-American Network for Cooperation on Family Law Public Component

2. Objective: Internet-based virtual library of public information
Information on family law issues and transactions
Information to protect and enforce the rights of women, children and families
Principal focus is legal information
Information on competent authorities of the Inter-American system

3. Scope:
The scope of the Network is not limited to the Inter-American Conventions on civil cooperation or family law
Cover National and International Law
Tools of the system not limited to Inter-American context
Secure communications is not subject to monitoring

4. Method:
Identification of areas in which there exists a necessity for international legal cooperation
Collaboration between Department of International Law and countries that participate in the project
Answer of a questionnaire
Upload to webpage

5. Role of the Designated Authority:
Assist in developing questionnaire
Assist in answering questionnaire
Coordinate with national entities
Coordinate with OAS
In addition to role as focal point in legal cooperation on family law

6. Questionnaire: Procedural Questionnaire Substantive Questionnaire
Includes General Information and Procedure for a Request of International Legal Cooperation
Designated Authority for the Network
Substantive Questionnaire
Transaction Issues: Paternity, Child Support, Alimony, Custody, Visitation, and Adoption
Protection Issues: Child Abduction, Trafficking, Abuse and Sexual Abuse

7. Procedural Substantive General Information Cooperation Procedure
Designated Authority
Information on cooperation for in
General Information
Paternity
Adoption of Minors
Custody & Visitation
Child Abduction
Support Obligations
Trafficking & Abuse

8. Information Requested
Brief description of the legal system
Texts of internal legislation
Bilateral treaties
Multilateral agreements
Competent authorities
Most relevant judicial decisions
Other documents of interest

9. General Information Requested
Introduction to legal system
Overview family law regulations
Fundamental texts in family and child law
Bilateral treaties
Multilateral agreements
Case Law

10. Substantive areas Establishment and Recognition o Paternity
Adoption of Minors
Custody and Visitation Rights
Abduction and Return of Minors
Alimony and Child Support
Trafficking of Minors

11. Experience with Bahamas
PHASE ONE:
Submittal of the questionnaire
Receipt of commentaries and questions
Adjustment of the questionnaire
Receipt of the completed questionnaire
Incorporation to the public component

12. Experience with Bahamas
PHASE TWO:
Revised Questionnaire
Procedural Component
Public vs. Private Information
Designated Authority
Contact Information

13. Next Steps: Agree on text of questionnaire
Discuss the public vs. private issues
Previous States: Revise Answers
Current States: New Procedural Component
New States: work off of revised questionnaire
Collaboration between DIL and participant member states