Travelling with different surnames

[Jls112507]

Hi all,

I’ve recently just processed my divorce answers taken back my maiden name. I want to double barrel my children’s names. Both mine and their fathers. He’s having none of it.
I’m my maiden name on my first sons birth certificate and married name on the youngest. My eldest has special needs and will never be able to voice his want for change. So I have processed through courts to try and add mine on.
I’ve heard that travelling abroad may be more difficult unless I take a ruck of documents AND a letter of consent from the dad. I don’t see how that can be fair when I pushed the little beauties out?!? I shouldn’t need permission. And he’s quite awkward so I know he will dig his heels in.

Can anyone shed any light on it. I have info from the gov, but I’m wanting to tell his solicitor that there is now a struggle and to make it easier travelling they could just have both our names.

Thanks in advance

I travel a lot with my kids, who have a different surname to mine. I always take their birth certificate to prove we are related. I'm very rarely asked for it, but it is necessary occasionally.

In theory, any parent travelling alone with a child can be asked to prove either that they have sole custody or that the other parent supports the travel. In practice I have never been asked for this except in South Africa, where they have specific documents you need to fill out.