When parents aren't married to each other, issues may arise when one of them wants to travel with their minor child.
To prevent parental kidnapping, authorities may want proof that the parent who isn't traveling has consented to the trip.
It's always a good idea to bring a letter of consent to travel. To create one easily, download a fill-in-the-blank form:
Visualize your schedule. Get a written parenting plan. Calculate your parenting time.
You can use the sample letters above for domestic or international travel with your child.
Only the non-traveling parent needs to sign the form.
There's no required format for a letter of consent to travel with one parent, so adjust the samples as you see fit. You can add additional information or skip lines that don't apply to you.
You may never be asked for the letter, but if you are, you'll be extremely glad you brought it. Having a witness or notary sign gives you extra certainty that the letter will ease any concerns travel authorities may have.
In addition to using the sample letters above when you travel alone with your child, you can also use them when you:
If you have joint custody, you usually need the other parent's written permission to take an international trip with your child. If the trip will affect your parenting schedule, make sure to get their express permission for that as well. You can do this in the sample letter provided by checking a box.
If you have sole custody, you generally don't need the other parent to consent to international travel, unless your parenting plan says otherwise. But you should bring your court order to prove your sole custody.
In either arrangement, your parenting plan may place additional requirements on you. It may state that permission to travel has to be notarized, obtained a certain number of days in advance, etc.
Always check the laws of the country you're visiting. Usually, leaving the child's home country is not the problem; entering and exiting another country can be more difficult.
Documents you may want to bring to make international travel easier include:
Traveling within the country is much easier. Typically, neither parent needs permission to travel domestically during their parenting time.
However, your parenting plan or court order may require written permission. It may also limit how far you can travel with the child and more. Always follow your parenting plan or court order (or have it modified).
If your co-parent agrees to let you travel with the child beyond your usual parenting time, get their permission in writing to protect you if they change their mind.
A well-thought-out parenting plan is important for parents who want to travel with their child. A detailed plan could be the difference between a smooth trip and a return to court.
The Custody X Change parenting plan template walks you through each step of creating a plan.
Choose from popular provisions in 26 categories. One category is dedicated specifically to travel.
The result is a professional-quality document that secures your child's future and allows you to make memories traveling with them.
Visualize your schedule. Get a written parenting plan. Calculate your parenting time.
