The children, both girls, were 4 _ and 3 at the date of the alleged wrongful retention. They had lived in both Finland and the United States.
In April 1995, after almost three years in Finland, the family went to the United States. Prior to their departure they leased their home, sold many of their belongings and shipped certain items to Texas. Upon their arrival they sought out a property to rent and purchased two cars. A short time later the parents separated.
On 30 May 1995 Kenton District Court awarded the father custody of the girls.
On 24 August 1995 the mother filed a return petition on the basis that the girls were being wrongfully retained. Kenton Circuit Court dismissed the application.
The mother appealed.
