Dcs and holiday abroad

[summersoversnoopy]

Please can someone explain how taking dcs abroad works when parents are divorced? Dcs live with me, exh wants to take them abroad this year - once I have given him their passports can he do this with nothing more from me?Then as I understand it if I want to take them abroad I have to ask for written permission from him as I have a different name to dcs? I changed my name once divorce came through. Hope this makes sense, any advice much appreciated :)

He needs your permission too as permission is needed from all those with parental responsibility so it works both ways. It's not just if surname differs

At borders, they are supposed to make sure that any minors traveling with only one parent have legal documentation proving that they have the other parent's permission. In the US, a notarized statement is needed. I'm not sure what the British equivalent is. It doesn't have anything to do with last names -- your ex has no more right to take the kids and leave the country than you do.

They don't always check.

It sounds like you guys have a good co-parenting relationship, but I still feel the need to mention that if you have ANY doubts about him bringing the children back, don't give him the passports.

Neither of you can refuse to give permission for the other to leave the UK with the children without very good reason.

So if either of you want to go on holiday with the kids the other parent would be considered very unreasonable in court not to hand the passports over. It would be court ordered that you did.

Even if you have reason to believe your partner might take them abroad and not return (even to middle east etc) Court will order you hand the passport over. That is my experience anyway.

I don't think there is any concern about travelling and passports control ever questioning you or him though. Although i believe SA quite strict in that regard.

My dd has my surname. If my ex (he has a different surname) takes her abroad they are always questioned. I provide him with a letter of permission.

I typed a letter saying "we the undersigned divorced parents of X and Y give permission with this letter for each other to take X and Y on holiday abroad".
We both signed it and added names, addresses and phone numbers. I also scanned and added a photo each of our passports and our marriage certificate (to link the person with the different surname).

I've been asked every time (about 5) about it - I have a different surname to the 2 kids - and each time border control have looked at the letter and said "perfect". Then asked a question or two of the kids. Usually "who is this you're travelling with?"

Do check specific countries though - South Africa requires specific documents.

Many thanks - I know what to expect and what I need now:) thank you