b)
there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm
or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation.
The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order the return of the child if it finds that the
child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate
to take account of its views.
In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, the judicial and administrative authorities shall
take into account the information relating to the social background of the child provided by the Central
Authority or other competent authority of the child's habitual residence.
Article 14
In ascertaining whether there has been a wrongful removal or retention within the meaning of Article 3,
the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take notice directly of the law of, and
of judicial or administrative decisions, formally recognised or not in the State of the habitual residence of
the child, without recourse to the specific procedures for the proof of that law or for the recognition of
foreign decisions which would otherwise be applicable.
Article 15
The judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State may, prior to the making of an order for
the return of the child, request that the applicant obtain from the authorities of the State of the habitual
residence of the child a decision or other determination that the removal or retention was wrongful within
the meaning of Article 3 of the Convention, where such a decision or determination may be obtained in
that State. The Central Authorities of the Contracting States shall so far as practicable assist applicants
to obtain such a decision or determination.
Article 16
After receiving notice of a wrongful removal or retention of a child in the sense of Article 3, the judicial or
administrative authorities of the Contracting State to which the child has been removed or in which it has
been retained shall not decide on the merits of rights of custody until it has been determined that the
child is not to be returned under this Convention or unless an application under this Convention is not
lodged within a reasonable time following receipt of the notice.
Article 17
The sole fact that a decision relating to custody has been given in or is entitled to recognition in the
requested State shall not be a ground for refusing to return a child under this Convention, but the judicial
or administrative authorities of the requested State may take account of the reasons for that decision in
applying this Convention.
Article 18
The provisions of this Chapter do not limit the power of a judicial or administrative authority to order the
return of the child at any time.
Article 19
A decision under this Convention concerning the return of the child shall not be taken to be a
determination on the merits of any custody issue.