Legal expert have urged Brits travelling abroad with their kids not to forget one key document this summer – or risk facing ‘unwanted disruption’ before they board the plane
Parents have been urged to bring one key document with them when travelling abroad this summer, or risk being turned away at the airport. The school holidays are rapidly approaching, meaning millions of Brits will be getting ready to jet off for some much-needed Vitamin D.
If you’re heading abroad with your kids, you’ll inevitably already have a long list of essentials to pack – from spare clothes to games and lots of suncream. However, experts over at law firm Richard Nelson LLP have warned that divorced/separated parents should also bring an important letter with them to avoid any ‘unwanted disruptions’.
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In a statement sent to the Mirror, the firm explained that for a child to be taken abroad, all people with parental responsibility need to agree to the decision.
Mothers are automatically granted parental responsibility at birth, while fathers acquire parental responsibility upon marriage. It’s not widely known, but taking a child abroad without permission is actually classed as child abduction – a serious offence.
“With that in mind, a consent letter from the non-travelling parent is critical,” the experts said. “[This is] a signed letter which provides proof that your ex-partner has agreed to you holidaying abroad should you ever be challenged while travelling. “
The letter should include the other parent’s contact details as well as information about you’re holiday, including the address of your accommodation. If your child has a different surname from you, the letter must also explain this.
However, if you’ve not been able to get permission from your child’s other parents to take them abroad, you may have to seek permission from a court. “If you’re relying on a court order to take your child abroad it’s imperative to allow as much time as possible for the case to be heard,” warned Ann Owens, consultant solicitor at Richard Nelson LLP.
“While you can request an urgent court order these can take more than a week to go through the courts. For those who have been successful in gaining permission this way then you must travel with a sealed copy of the Court Order with you.”
Ann explained that border officials may ask for proof of your legal right to take the child abroad at the airport. “If you can’t provide it, you may be turned away at customs,” she added.
The legal firm also advised bringing your child’s birth or adoption certificate with you to be safe, to provide additional proof of your relation to the kid. If you do have a different last name from your child due to a divorce or new marriage, it may also be wise to bring your divorce or marriage certificate along with you as well. Of course, travelling with all of your family’s passports is a must too.
“While, like the UK, many countries have the legal age of adulthood standing at 18, some have it set as older or younger,” said. “It is important to check the age of adult responsibility in the location you are holidaying in. For instance, you may also need documents for a 19-year-old child when travelling to some Canadian territories.”
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