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Connect with other Mumsnetters here for step-parenting advice and support.

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Step-parenting

Another Passport Question?

18 replies

Kaluki · 25/06/2012 12:28

I may sound rather thick here but Pirates thread over on LP has got me thinking....
I am taking my dc out of the country in August to stay with family. ExP is happy for me to take them so there is no problem there.
My cousin has told me that when she bought her dc over to the UK she was stopped and asked if their father had given permission for them to leave the country (he had and a phone call was made to clear it up).
This is the first time I will have flown by myself with the dc and I was wondering if I have to take a letter or something from my ex giving permission to take the kids away.

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UC · 25/06/2012 13:48

hi Kaluki, I have taken my DCs out of the country several times, and have a letter from their dad giving his permission for me to do so. I've never been asked for it, but it is possible I think.

ChocHobNob · 25/06/2012 14:03

It is not unheard of to be asked. It is always better to have a letter from the other parent just in case but not every got gets asked.

bananaistheanswer · 25/06/2012 14:08

Kaluki, I've flown 3 times with my DD - twice to france and once to the US and not been stopped or asked. Possibly as long as you have up to date contact details for your ex, and he is aware that you might need to phone him if the question arises, or just get the letter anyway, it would put your mind at rest.

Kaluki · 25/06/2012 15:13

Thank you!
I have taken them abroad before so I'm sure jt will be ok.
I will ask for a letter anyway I think!
I see the other thread has vanished!
What a surprise!!!

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purpleroses · 25/06/2012 15:30

I've travelled several times with mine to France and Spain and never been asked (and I have different surname to DCs) but have since read some horror stories on here about people who were stopped and asked.

Bit confused as to what this would entail for me though as ex doesn't have PR so doesn't actually have the authority to give me permission for anything. But I've no way of proving that.

Might suggest DP gets a letter from his ex though before we go away this summer - as they both have PR for DSC. Would seem sensible to have with you if it's no trouble to obtain.

Kaluki · 25/06/2012 15:32

Does my ex automatically have PR for them?
We weren't ever married but he is on both birth certificates and they have his name?

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purpleroses · 25/06/2012 15:36

He'll have PR from being named on birth certificates if born after December 2003 (mine were both born before then). Otherwise only if he's been to court and got it, or got a residency order I think.

Mama1980 · 25/06/2012 15:42

He has parental responsibility automatically if he is on the birth cert post 2003. My ds s father is not named on his birth cert and I have been stopped/asked all I do is carry the birth certificate with me-that has always been fine. Hth

ginmakesitallok · 25/06/2012 15:45

How would customs folk know a letter was real?

Kaluki · 25/06/2012 15:46

So he has PR for ds2 and not ds1!
How confusing!!
Do you think he should apply for PR for ds1 then?
I've never given it any thought before now!!!

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origamirose · 25/06/2012 15:50

I have flown several times with DSDs and their dad we've never been asked if we have their mum's permission. On two occasions I have checked the kids in without either of their parents being present. Neither time was I asked for any type of consent or what my relationship with the children was (I didn't think anything of it until now...).

NotaDisneyMum · 25/06/2012 16:10

Best check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to - the problem
may come when you try and leave their shores after your holiday!

Canada and Mexico have very strict rules on what they will accept as evidence of 'permission to travel' and other countries are following suit to reduce the risk of child kidnap

Border control staff are being trained to interact with young children in a way that identifies who they are travelling with.

Kaluki · 25/06/2012 16:25

Scary!
I'm only travelling in Europe.
I will take both birth certificates and ask ex to sign a letter.
Is there any reason why he should have PR for them both? I'm a bit worried that he has it for ds2 but not ds1 to be honest!

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ChocHobNob · 25/06/2012 17:59

Kaluki, it would be wise for him to get PR in case he needs to give advice for medical/education purposes if, heaven forbid, anything happened to you.

It's quite simple if you are both in agreement for him to get it. There are Parental Responsibility Agreement forms available to download on the Internet and you borg attend your local court offices to has your signatures witnessed. Then he'll have a PR agreement sent to him.

ChocHobNob · 25/06/2012 18:00

Sorry didn't mean "give advice", I meant give permission.

ChocHobNob · 25/06/2012 18:01

Borg?! both I meant. And apologies for any other typos. proof read!

Bumply · 25/06/2012 18:06

I've been stopped by Easyjet on internal flights when travelling with my two sons who have a different surname to me. I now take their passports as they have me down as their mother.

Kaluki · 25/06/2012 18:36

Thanks everyone.

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