When you set up your custody schedule and parenting plan, one of the things you should talk about with your ex-spouse is how to handle travel. Are you okay with the other parent traveling out of the state or out of the country with your child? If so, what do they need to do to make you comfortable with that?
It’s important to talk about this issue now, because if you don’t, then you could run into a situation where either you or the other parent goes somewhere with your children that one of you doesn’t agree with. That could lead to trouble if the situation ends up in court.
Taking your child out of the country as a single parent
Some parents want to go on vacations with their children, and they should be allowed to within reason. Going for a vacation outside the country is very different from having one within the United States, though.
No parent should try to hide that they’d obtaining passports for their children or that they intend to go out of the country. Good communication is essential to easing the fears of those involved and to make sure everyone is comfortable with the trip.
It’s also vital to have approval to travel out of the country, because the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers do recommend that you have a note from the parent who isn’t traveling to give permission to the children to travel. Both parents should sign this note with the acknowledgement that the children are going out of the country.
Taking your child out of state
Taking your child out of state without permission can be problematic as well. If the other parent doesn’t know where they are, you could be accused of parental kidnapping, which may influence your custody rights in the future.
If you want to plan a trip with your children, it’s possible. You should talk about your concerns with your attorney and address those issues with the other parent in mediation or through other means. Having a solid plan for travel will help everyone feel better and make the vacation one you can look back on fondly.