Going on holiday with DS after split. What do I need to know

[Juniorwebb]

Hi

My husband and I have recently separated. We have a 5 year old DS and he is staying with me but still sees his dad loads.

I’ve oozed a holiday for the two of us in August but now wondering if I’m going to be quizzed about why his dad isn’t with us at the airport. Do I need to bring paperwork (a letter from his dad etc) to show security or will this not be an issue.

I have the same last name as my son and not planning on changing it. If it makes a difference we are going to Tenerife this year and likely USA next

Feel free as well to give me any advice on handling first holiday as a solo parent

You need the other parents permission to fly. Although many don't and travel freely. It is a requirement.

I have taken My children birth certificates with us when we have flown. But as you are going to USA I would get a letter done. Detail all names and passport numbers and contact number for your ex stating he agrees for you to travel with your dc.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Check gov uk site. You should take a letter of consent from his dad. They aren't yet mandatory, but I've been travelling alone with dd (now 15) since she was born and am frequently asked for it. Some countries are stricter than others (for citizens) The UK more likely to ask you when you're coming back than leaving.
It's nothing to do with surnames, or separated parents. It's if one adult alone is travelling with a minor. Though obvs if a parent does have a different surname it flags.
I used to work in the relevant govt dept and the first thing we were ever told was one adult + child leaving country, get it checked out.

You can download template letters from the web.

Take a signed letter and copy of his birth certificate though you aren't likely to be asked for either.

I've always given ds' dad a letter to go with his passport, he's never been asked for it though and I didn't take one when I flew with him last year, there were no problems.
If getting one off your ex is no hassle though I'd definitely take one to be on the safe side.

Oh I've just remembered, coming back from our holiday. Parents and children had their own lane and ds was taken away from me and asked "is that your mum?"

If you have the same surname I'd be extremely surprised if you have any issues at all.
It would be much more difficult to get a passport for him without dad's consent but presume that is sorted. Don't worry about the renewal I just got my son's and no action was required by his dad.

I have a different surname to my daughter and if we ever travel abroad I'm always asked for her birth certificate and she's been questioned about her relationship to me. Not been asked for a letter of consent from her dad though. And it's usually coming back in to the UK x

I've travelled alone with my youngest DD many times and never been asked anything or know anyone who has, I'm always a bit mystified when I read this.

I travelled loads with just my dd when she was young and was never asked a thing by passport control. Worth bringing the letter/bc just in case I guess

www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

I have never got my DS dads permission as he isnt around and isnt contactable.

I have flown with my young DS a few times now and, yes have the odd question, but I just travel with is BC and have never been stopped. I am named as Mom which answers their question, what is your relationship with him.

I cant see you having an issue obtaining a letter, so I would take it to be on the safe side. For me, it isn’t possible but as I say have never been stopped

This is always a confused matter on mumsnet
Essentially, the law says that anyone with PR must consent to children leaving the country. However for practical purposes the parent travelling is presumed to have gained this consent. There is no way for border staff to know who has PR for a child, so you could provide a letter but it's totally meaningless. That's not to say they may not randomly ask for one though!
This particular law is implemented when somebody with PR has obtained a legal order preventing the child from being removed from the country. Then border staff can prevent travel.

One can only guess at the criteria by which border staff do 'random checks'. My ex was 'randomly checked' when taking our DS away. DS is British and ex is non EU. That's only happened once though and he's travelled with him dozens of times. I've never been stopped.
I have been asked to provide birth certificate though but that's because we have different surnames, a completely different issue.

Travelled all over the world with DS and never been asked for any other documents other than our passport. This has included the USA, Brazil and UAE.