Parents who aren’t in a relationship with each other any longer may want to make plans to go on vacation with their children. While many people don’t think much about making those plans, parents with child custody orders have several considerations.
One of the first things that parents should do in these cases is review the order. This can let the parent know if they can take the child out of a specific geographical area. There may be certain restrictions. For example, if child abduction is a concern, the custody order may forbid international travel.
If international travel is allowed
If international travel isn’t forbidden by the custody order or if the other parent or court permits the travel, the parent who’s traveling with the child will need to ensure they get things in order. The child will need a passport, which requires the permission of both parents. Because getting a passport can take considerable time, it’s necessary to start this process well in advance of the trip.
Another consideration for international travel is having a notarized document that permits the travel. In most cases, this will come from the court or the other parent. Different countries have different requirements, so it’s critical to learn about the requirements for the countries you will travel to with the children. Some countries may also require you to have the child’s birth certificate.
Planning summer travel can always be challenging, so it’s best for parents to get started on the plan early. Getting the parenting plan set up in the child’s best interests requires more than just outlining travel restrictions and requirements, so it may be beneficial to work with someone who can assist with this process.