This complete contrast was the basis of the battle of Mahmoodis and many more like them. But here's the interesting point. Perhaps those who are more familiar with the European laws can either support or refute this bit of information. My point here though, is that I won't get so worked-up about the movie anymore. I would let it die of age.
Custody battles are very common in USA and other parts of the world.
There are movies made about all kinds of these stories. It was not that far back that we heard, in the news, about the father in Florida that had taken his two daughters from New York, over 20 years ago, and raised them by telling them that their mother was dead. The mother finally tracked down the dad looking for the support money owed her. This issue has nothing to do with culture or nationality. I hope our 15 years old can understand that.