Holiday with step-child?

[Xalla]

DH has an SRO for my DSD.

She's with us for several weeks over summer. I'm taking my son away to another country for a few days while she's here and DH is working.

Legally, is there any reason I can't take DSD with me? She wants to join us and DH is happy for her to come - he'll be working during the week and we'll be back for the weekend. I don't mind taking her.

I've travelled / flown on my own with DSD several times but always in order to meet DH. I haven't taken her on 'holiday' without DH before.

Does DH need to secure Mum's permission? She won't like it.

Legally I am fairly sure you need everyone with PR's permission. In practice I'm sure just your Dh's will suffice, if indeed they even ask you. I've taken my own Dd (who has a different surname to me) abroad heaps from when she was a baby and I've never been asked.
We've also taken my DsD who does have the same name as her dad who has been with us but they've never asked him if he has his ex wife's opinion.

Would it mean your dsd lying other mum though - that doesn't sound like a good idea tbh

There's no way I'd take her without Mum knowing or ask DSD to lie. That's not on.

I'm not worried about the 'in practice' bit. I've flown with her loads of times and not had any problems either. She's got the same surname, looks like and is a similar age to our other kids, I think everyone assumes she's one of mine.

DH just wondered where he stood legally. I think you're probably right, I reckon I would need permission from everyone with PR.

Ah I see. Yeah legally you need both so if she wanted to kick up after the event you might be in trouble...

Actually UK Immigration is getting ridiculous about letting UK citizens and their families BACK into the UK, particularly if you seem to be a single female travelling with children. The current advice (and please don't laugh) is that you take the following documentation with you - written permission from the other parent (particularly if you are divorced and both have PR), copy of birth certificates, copy of marriage and divorce papers. I am sure I have missed some off.

If my ex's partner took my DS abroad without me giving explicit consent I would be so angry. Please don't even consider it.

If everyone knows and agrees, then you plan seems a great idea.

I always take all the above and I'm yet to be asked for it actually but I think it's because we usually use the smaller, local airports. From what I've heard, Heathrow / Gatwick are much stricter; we've had a number of friends stopped there.

I don't think there's a lot of point in asking Mum. She'll say no for the hell of it just like she always does hence the SRO & contact order. It's not worth the fall out. DSD can stay with DH. It's no biggy.