Grandparents taking grandchild to USA - consent docs required by immigration??

[SallyGibbons]

My parents are planning to take my 9 year old to the States with them in August. We've been advised to get a letter signed by both parents and countersigned by a sollicitor as proof/consent that they are the grandparents. They have a different surname to our son. Is this all they will need to get him back out of the states and into the UK on their return trip with no problem? Any advice on this would be v gratefully received!

A permission letter should be all they need

The Foreign & Commonwealth office advises lone parents to contact the US embassy for details of requirements when travelling to USA with a child (and only 1 parent).
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/united-states

I never have had any issues (but ds does have my same surname).
Might be worth contacting them to find out exactly what they need though re grandparents with different surname. Or ask your travel agent to find out for you.

Thanks for this - question answered by US Embassy London website. For anyone else's reference, go to the FAQs of the website. Basically, you need a letter signed by the parents using the vocabulary they suggest, and counter-signed by a lawyer. I guess they can check the lawyer's credentials online, if necessary.