It’s that time of year again – when many of us are excited about our upcoming summer holidays.
Whether you are going abroad or taking a staycation, there is lots to think about – especially if you’ve got children. Is the accommodation child friendly? Are there enough activities for the kids? Will they eat the food? Have you got the right equipment – including sunscreen!? Simple planning will ensure that this is all achieved.
For separated parents, however, things can be a bit trickier but with good communication and planning, you can ensure that the holidays are as hitch free as possible.
It might be difficult, but you should try to agree with your child’s other parent where you want to go, when and what you will be doing when you are there so that you both feel comfortable with the arrangements, and they accommodate both parents’ wishes and timetable.
Make sure that you swap communication details such as email address, telephone number, Messenger or WhatsApp details, along with details of the child’s medical insurance and GP. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the absent parent has the address of the accommodation where the child is staying.
Technically, if you are taking you child on holiday in England or Wales, you don’t need the other parent’s permission, but we would always suggest that you discuss this with the other parent. Realistically, they should know where their child is and how to get in touch with them in an emergency.
If you are taking the child out of the country, it can be more complicated, and everyone with parental responsibility must give permission. It is illegal to take a child out of England and Wales without it – unless you have been granted permission from the Family Court.
Of course, you will need the child’s passport to take them abroad, so both parents need to discuss this early to agree who will pay for it – if it is a new passport – and to ensure that it is obtained in plenty of time.
If you are the parent taking the child abroad, it’s a good idea to have a letter from the other parent showing that you have their permission. You may also wish to carry the child’s birth certificate to prove your relationship, or a divorce or marriage certificate to show why you might have a different surname. If you have a court order showing that you can take the child abroad without the other parent’s permission, you should take that with you.
Taking a child abroad without the proper permission is a serious offence and is classed as child abduction.
Regardless of your marital status, if you are travelling abroad alone with a child, you may still be asked for proof that the other parent consents, especially in countries where child abduction or overseas adoption are prevalent.
Juliette Dalrymple, director and family mediator at Family Matters, says:
“If you are planning to take you child abroad for a holiday, make sure your plans are sorted in plenty of time, and you have all the right documents in place. Don’t make a booking without discussing it with the other parent first, not only could you end up breaking the law, you could both end up out of pocket, especially if you both book the same dates! Wherever you go and whatever arrangements you make, we hope you have a fantastic time, but if you can’t get your plans to work, don’t be afraid to ask our trained, independent mediators for professional help.”
