What is the legal term for taking a child from lawful custody without permission?

The legal term for taking a child from lawful custody without permission is custodial interference. This term specifically refers to situations where a person unlawfully removes a child from the custody of their legal guardian or custodian, without consent. Custodial interference emphasizes the violation of custody rights that have been legally established, distinguishing it from other terms like kidnapping, which often implies a broader context of unlawfully taking a person with intent to hold them against their will.

In the context of this question, while child abduction and kidnapping can encompass illegal actions involving children, they typically involve scenarios where there is an intent to permanently deprive the parents or guardians of their child. Illegal custody transfer may not specifically address the act of taking a child from lawful custody without permission, making "custodial interference" the most accurate legal term in this case.