Travelling with DD (diff surname and no permission)

[kitkatsky]

ExH often takes DD6 abroad and never seems to need my permission as they share a surname. Before now I've always taken DD away in the UK to avoid conflict, but new partner wants is to take her to Italy and obv I'd prefer this, but cos of different surnames I need permission. Ex partner refusing to confirm if he'll sign permission. Does anyone know what the court fees would be if he refuses to give permission?

My 15 year old has a different surname to me and I’ve honestly never had a problem. The most I’ve had is on arrival back in the U.K. being asked what relation we were to each other. Take her birth certificate to prove you’re her mother I very much doubt you’ll encounter any issue at all.

My SS has the same surname as his Mum. DP and I have taken him away several times and never been stopped. DP’s Brother works passport control and has always advised taking birth certificate just incase but has said the media hype it up far more than necessary.

This is awesome advice, thanks so much x

Now let's deal with the law rather than anecdotes.

Whilst may people take their children out of the country without proper consent every year and don't have any problems, some people find that they are refused boarding if they cannot show that they have proper consent. Similarly, some people are refused entry to their destination country. You may not have a problem but you may be one of the unlucky ones.

If you have a court order stating that your daughter is to live with you, you can take your daughter out of the country for up to 28 days without needing his consent. If there is no court order and he refuses to consent you would need to get an appropriate order. The fee for applying for an order is £215.

If he is awkward, you could point out that he is committing a criminal offence every time he takes your daughter out of the country without your consent (assuming there isn't a court order saying she is to live with him - the offence is child abduction).