Do I need the father of my child's permission to go on holiday?

[Whatsthatspookynoise]

We are on good terms so it wouldn't be a problem anyway.

We have no custody in place. He just takes our child one or two weekends a month depending on how busy he is. He's on the birth certificate.

He isn't involved much in childcare, but I think being on the birth certificate means he has parental responsibility?

So does he need to write a letter saying my child can go? If so, who would we write that to?

I keep seeing this pop up randomly so I'm confused.

Thanks!

On holiday where? Abroad or UK?
Whether you get stopped going abroad or not seems to be random, so a letter just in case might be a good idea. I think you just carry the letter with you and show it if asked. Although how anyone knows its not fake is anyone's guess!

Technically yes, though most parents won't be asked if they have the other's permission. He can just write a "to whom it may concern" in case you do get asked.

Do you have the same surname as your child? If you don't, you're more likely to be asked (but still not very likely).

Yes, sure you might not be stopped but you also might be so why not have it? You are on good terms so it’s not an issue surely? It’s only an issue for parents where the father is absent or abusive

If you’re going abroad then yes. I’ve been asked before at a couple of European countries. Especially as DC and I had different surnames (not married to Ex). I always took copies of birth certificate and the permission letter.

Oh I forgot, I have been asked for both coming back into the UK before as well.

Totally anecdotal but we have never been stopped have been to Spain, Holland, Latvia, Germany, USA and Mexico.
Have the same surname though.

Thank you everyone. Child has the dad's surname so I guess I will get dad to write a letter just incase. We are going to Mauritius if that matters.
So we don't send the letter, I just carry it around with my passport?

So we don't send the letter, I just carry it around with my passport?

Yep!

I’ve never understood this. If anything could be forged, surely it’s this. Where are they checking? Utter nonsense really.