Travelling is a great way to educate your child and spend quality time together. Still, if you are a divorced parent traveling with child out of country, you have to be thoroughly prepared to avoid misunderstandings with your ex and problems with the law. Review your local legislature, collect necessary papers, and cooperate with your former spouse to make your international travel flawless. Your task is to put all necessary efforts not to spoil your child’s international travel experience with unpleasant happenings.
Incredible children from my visit to Esa School in Arusha, Tanzania.
Follow the Custody Order
When taking child out of country with joint custody, your primary obligation is to follow the custodial rules you have approved of. When you got divorced, you had to agree on a custodial plan and regulations. They stipulate all the rights and obligations both parents have in relation to their children.
If the custodial order states that you need your spouse’s permission or consent to take your child abroad, you have to do as it says. Or, if you are not allowed to travel internationally with your kids, you shouldn’t violate this rule unless you want to have any troubles with the law.
Get a Passport
Any international travel with children is not possible if you and your kids don’t have a passport. You can apply for the identification document for your children in the local relevant office.
In case your child is under 16, the presence of both parents is required when requesting a passport. One parent can also get a passport for the child by providing a written and officially validated approval or consent of another parent.
If a child is 16 and more, they can apply for a passport personally with only one parent present or written and validated approval instead. In some instances, another parent will get to know about the passport application by receiving notification.
Anyway, it is better not to hide your intentions to take your child abroad from your ex to avoid drama or severe issues with the law.
An Extra Written Permission
Mind that even if you get all the required travel documentation in order and have all the rights to go to a different country with your kid, it doesn’t guarantee success. At the border control, officials are cautious when it comes to single adults traveling overseas with children. So to stay on the safe side, it is better if your kid has written permission from your spouse, signed and officially validated. This way, you will eliminate the chances of being suspected of kidnapping and human trafficking.
A Court Order for Difficult Cases
If you are a couple, who get your divorce online to see each other less and are not meant to cooperate in any way, international travel with your children can become a mission impossible. Still, if your ex is against international travel for your children, but you are sure that you have all the rights while your kids have the desire to see the world, you can apply to the court for help. If you manage to justify your point of view, you will get the court order allowing you international travels with your kids no matter your ex’s opinion.
Know the Risks
Either a custodial parent wants to move out of state or a divorcee plans to travel with children oversees without the spouse’s consent or permission, it is significant to know the possible consequences.
If you prefer to leave your ex unaware of your children’s location, they may report the kids missing, and you will have to deal with the police later. In case your spouse accuses you of kidnapping, you may have serious troubles with the law as well. Any of the situations may result in a negative impact on your custodial rights in the end. So, you’d better avoid any unlawful actions from your side.
Opt for Cooperation
When a divorced parent traveling with child out of country cooperates closely with the former spouse, positive outcomes are likely to happen. It will be easier for you if you come to terms with your ex about the upcoming travel. Swap weekends, trade about other custodial peculiarities, just come to the agreement so that both parents and kids are pleased with the aftermath. Besides, your spouse can help you with organizing the best suitable trip, getting your kids ready, and arranging the preferred activities.
Amicable travel planning with your ex will save you from extra drama, headaches, troubles with the law, and ruined vacations for your children. Care about your kid’s wellness and safety and travel abroad responsibly.