The child, a boy, was 3 1/2 at the date of the first alleged wrongful removal. He had lived in the United States all of his life. The parents were married and had joint rights of custody. On 6 November 1993 the mother took the child to Chile, her State of origin.
On 10 August 1994 the father travelled to Chile, reconciled with the mother and established a business in that country. In February 1995 the parents separated. On 10 July 1995 the father moved back to the United States.
On 6 September 1996 the father returned to Chile. In February 1997 a Chilean court granted the father visitation rights in respect of the child. On 6 December 1998 the father took the 8 1/2 year old boy to the United States.
On 11 August 1999 the mother filed for the return of the child pursuant to the Convention.
