Airport chaos aside, making arrangements to spend time with your children if you are separated from the child's other parent can be tricky. Getting it wrong could result in serious legal consequences, including allegations of child abduction or child trafficking.
Whilst we don't promise to alleviate all the stresses that come with planning a holiday with your children, we have set out below our list of top tips to help deal with some of the tricky issues.
Discussions between separated parents can be difficult, particularly when discussions involve taking a child out of the country. Booking a holiday will come with great expense so it is important that plans are made early to avoid any unnecessary cancellations. It is important that both parents and the children are fully on board and feel comfortable with the arrangements that have been made. If possible, involve the children and other parent in the planning process.
Any person wishing to travel abroad with a child must ensure that they have specific authority from anyone with Parental Responsibility to travel. Ideally you should get consent in writing so that you can present this as evidence if consent is disputed or questioned at a later date. If the other parent will not agree, you must seek permission from the court.
If you fail to obtain permission, you could find yourself accused of 'child abduction' and an order could be made for the immediate return of the child.
Properly documented travel agreements and plans are essential. You should include information regarding your travel schedule, names of those travelling with you, information regarding your proposed methods of transport, accommodation information, contact details and other key details about your trip. This approach provides clarity for both parties and seeks to elevate any concerns for the other parent.
If you are the travelling parent, you need to make sure that you are in receipt of the child's passport in plenty of time and have copies of any other documents relating to your child which may be useful. For example, any medical notes (where applicable) and a copy of your child's birth certificate (if your child has a different surname). We also recommend that you keep a copy of written permission (from the other parent or court order) which allows you to legally travel with your child.
Children grow up so quickly so it is important that you enjoy every possible moment with them. Holidays are a great opportunity to spend quality time together without the usual distractions of every day life. Use the time to learn more about your child and build your relationship with them.