Considerations Before You Go Abroad with Your Child

 Posted on January 25, 2023 in Child Custody

There is little doubt that for many people, traveling is one of the great joys of life. For people who have gone through a divorce, have a minor child, and wish to travel with their child, they too may have an interest in traveling. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind if you are divorced and would like to bring your child on a trip abroad. This blog will look at what someone should consider thinking about before they leave the country with their child.

Step #1: Obtain a Passport for Your Child

It is important to note that any child under 16 years of age needs to have both of their parents’ authorization to obtain a passport. In some cases, it may be required for both parents to be present when the child gets their passport. However, getting a signed permission form may also be possible if one of the parents being there in person is not possible. In cases where only one parent has parental rights or the other parent has had their parental rights terminated, the parent with full custody of the child must show proof that no other parent is required to grant consent for the child to obtain a passport. Notably, a child’s passport is only valid for five years. If your child already has a passport, make sure to check when it expires, as many countries will not allow entry to a traveler with an expired passport.

Step #2: Ask for Permission

Suppose a divorced parent wants to travel abroad with their child. In that case, they must receive written permission to do so unless it is explicitly stated otherwise within the court-ordered parenting plan. It is not uncommon for an airline to ask to see such permission before they consider allowing a single parent to board an airplane with their child. Unfortunately, it may be extremely unlikely for the child’s other parent to grant permission in some cases. However, obtaining this permission is still critical. If you fail to get permission before you leave the country with your child, charges of kidnapping may be levied against you.

Step #3: Create and Share an Itinerary and Travel Plans

Once permission has been granted to leave the country with your child and all necessary documents have been completed, make sure to share a detailed itinerary with the child’s other parent. That way, when you are abroad, another adult will always know where the child is. It may also make sense to brainstorm solutions in case communication with the other parent is lost, and the child is affected in any way. You may want to set guidelines as to how much time can pass before the situation may be deemed an emergency from the standpoint of the other parent.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Child Custody Lawyer

Whether you are seeking assistance in obtaining permission to leave the country with your child or you have another question pertaining to family law matters, consider contacting the passionate Arlington Heights, IL, child custody attorneys with A. Traub & Associates. Call 847-749-4182 for a private consultation. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8675000&SeqEnd=12200000