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Can I travel abroad with my child after the divorce?

On Behalf of | Jul 24, 2024 | Family Law

After completing the divorce process and getting through the stress, planning a trip abroad could be an excellent way for your family to take a breather. Even if it’s just you and your child, you can have fun and bond, which can also help you take a break from unresolved issues after the divorce. You might be looking forward to your vacation, but some circumstances can affect your ability to bring your child to another country.

Determining what requirements could apply

In most cases, you would need to provide specific documents when traveling with your child, depending on the circumstances. Usually, a written and notarized consent can be enough if it explicitly states the other parent’s acknowledgment that the child will travel out of the country with you. This document may also have some technical requirements to make it valid, so keep these details in mind when drafting it.

The situation can be more complex if the child is part of a passport alert program because of flight risks considered during proceedings. In these scenarios, the court can place stricter restrictions and prohibitions, making international travel a severe concern.

Keeping the trip lawful and compliant

Even if it is just an innocent vacation with your child, it might not appear that way to your former spouse or the court. Instead of deliberating on your own whether to push through with the trip, consider seeking legal counsel before finalizing any plans. Doing so can help you prepare and organize while considering any child custody factors and requirements for the journey. Taking these measures may seem too much, but they are often essential to keep your child safe and your family intact.