XH and me taking DC abroad - advice pls

[tuftedduck]

I'm hoping to be able to take DCs abroad this year.

I need to renew passports (DCs have passports, but they ran out earlier this year).

Do I need to get XH's signature to be able to renew them? Also, we'd be away for 2 weeks max (probably only 1 week) - do I need to get his permission to do this?

I realise that it would be polite to let him know about what I'm planning for the DCs (I'd want him to tell me if he was planning this kind of thing), but for various reasons the least I have to do with him, the better.

No to passport signatures but he can object if you don't tell him you are going. When I took dds to America I was advised to rake a letter from him in case they queried it. Europe less likely to apparently. Depending on the age of the child & your surnames they may query you travelling with them

You don't need anything from your ex to renew the passports. However, your ex has parental responsibility. If you have a residence order you can take your children abroad for up to a month without needing his consent. However, if you don't have a residence order you need his consent, preferably in writing.

What prh said above.

Also depending on which country you are going to there are different rules. So be sure to check if you need some kind of letter or other propf that you have his permission to take your dc abroad.

Some countries (such as Canada) are really hot on it. eg see half way down here Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/canada?ta=entryRequirements&pg=4

Others aren't so bothered. You can get info re individual countries here:
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/

thanks for the replies.

I don't think I have a residence order - what is one? do I need one? is it better to have one? DCs live with me, he sees them for a 28 hour period once a fortnight.

I'll research the links above. Thanks again for the info.

Residency isn't automatic and unless you go to court neither of you have it.

Best not to open the can of worms unless you have good reason too. EG He may argue in court that joint residence is better.

good point gilly.

to be honest, I just wish he'd stop being such a tool, accept that I left him half a decade ago (because he is a bully) and move on!

You will only get a residence order if there is any dispute over where the children should live. So even if you tried it is unlikely you would get a residence order.

If he refuses to consent to the holiday you can apply to the courts for a Single Issue Order to resolve the matter. It is unlikely that the courts would refuse a genuine holiday.