Single mom traveling with DD to the UK. Do I need written permission from ex?

[Anonymous]

I didn't know whether to post this here or in Travel. I'm a single mom (never married to my DD's dad) and my DD and I will be traveling to London next summer. Do I need to bring a letter stating that my ex is okay with me taking our DD out of the country? Is there any guidance on if I need to bring this documentation and what it should include? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I did when I traveled with my older DD. Get a notarized letter from him simply stating that he gives permission for you to travel to the UK with the child. I suggest having two copies. There are sample letters that you can Google.

[Anonymous]

I have traveled to the uk with kids many times on my own, and this has never been an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I did when I traveled with my older DD. Get a notarized letter from him simply stating that he gives permission for you to travel to the UK with the child. I suggest having two copies. There are sample letters that you can Google.

Were you asked to show the letter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know whether to post this here or in Travel. I'm a single mom (never married to my DD's dad) and my DD and I will be traveling to London next summer. Do I need to bring a letter stating that my ex is okay with me taking our DD out of the country? Is there any guidance on if I need to bring this documentation and what it should include? Thanks!

If your child doesn't have a passport then you will need his permission to obtain the passport. Travel terms should be part of your custody agreement if you have one. If you don't have one then you should get one. You never know what will transpire as time goes on.

[Anonymous]

We have a passport appointment next week with my ex. We don't have a custody agreement. I've always had custody of our DD. I'll look for a form on Google. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I am by no means an expert, but I think if you have a passport for your child you will be okay (which of course you need to travel to the UK). I think since he is giving you permission to get a passport (by being there and signing the paperwork), he in essence is giving you permission to take your child out of the country.

Again, I am no expert, and it might be a good measure to get a letter, just to be on the safe side.

[Anonymous]

I just came back from Denmark and I needed that letter from my HUSBAND (not ex). I had it - but I would get it just in case.

[Anonymous]

You should either have a notarized letter from him or some documentation showing that you have sole custody. The letter can be for a unspecified period (i.e., it can state you have permission to leave the country with DD from January 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2016. That way it is good for the entire year.

I have been asked to show the letter on several trips. On other trips, no one even asked. Usually it is the Customs and Immigration at your destination that asks for the letter. Canada seems to be more vigilant at asking than other countries.

I keep the letter simple. Use DD's full name and refer to her passport number. Have father list his full name and all contact information as well. He simply has to state that you have permission to travel outside the United States with DD for the stated period. You do not have to include airline information or countries you visit (although that certainly can be included if one parent is nervous about where the other parent is taking the child).

Good luck -- it's really no big deal.

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot PP. I don't plan on traveling a lot with my DD internationally but I don't want to be stuck without the paperwork I might need.

[Anonymous]

You may or may not be asked for it. Get the notarized letter.

[Anonymous]

just because your kid lives with you, you do not necessarily have custodY. If he is on her birth certificate, he could take her wherever, legally. (Domestically)

Wouldn't YOU want a country to stop him if he took her overseas without your knowledge and permission?


If you have legal court mandated custody and paperwork to prove that the letter is superfluous.

[Anonymous]

I live in the UK and travel extensively with DC without my husband. While I always carry such a letter with me I have never once been asked for it - Canada, USA, India, Europe etc. Definitely do not bother getting the letter notarized. The Canadians have a good consent letter in the fill in the blanks format, that's the one I always carry.

[Anonymous]

Definitely get it notarized! Otherwise, you could have forged his signature.

[Anonymous]

I had all of my documentation at the ready, but have never once been asked to present it.

Is the father on the birth certificate?