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EXCEPTIONS What if I don't know where my child's other parent is to get
the letter of consent? What if I don't know who my child's other parent is? (As
in the case of anynonomous donors.) What if there was abuse involved and I don't want to contact
the other parent for my child's safety? What if the other parent is deceased? In all these cases you should first contact the consulate of the
country you are traveling to, to determine what exactly
they will accept. They will most likely require that you provide
some sort of documentation of your specific situation. Here are
some examples:
- You have provided written proof that you tried to contact your
child's other parent.
- You have written proof that you concieved anynonomously.
- You have written proof that your child's other parent is a safety
concern.
Some sources of written proof can be from:
- Government officials (for example, the judge presiding over
custodial issues)
- Religious official who know the situation well
- Individuals who can attest that you have made every effort to
find your child's other parent.
- Death Certificate
What if the other parent will not provide consent? Unfortunately, many countries will refuse you entry. You should
contact your destination first before purchasing your trip to find
out if this is the case for your destination. Please read Don't
Leave Home Without It. Please also see Mom
Couldn't Withhold Consent To Passport From Missouri Lawyers Weekly
May 15 2000
Excellent article about a legal case (Fondell v. Telmer MLW No.
26409 May 5) where a mother tried to withhold consent to allow a
father to take their child to the Amazon. What if my last name is different from my child's last name? In today's multiple marriage society, this is not as uncommon as
one would think. You will need some sort of written documentation
proving custody or identifing you as the parent. Again, check directly
with the consulate of your destination to make certain as to what
they will accept, but here are some suggestions: A court order stating
you have custody (if you only have joint custody, you may still
need a letter of consent from the other parent); a marriage certificate
or divorce certificate that proves your name was once the same as
your child's. To illustrate, if your madien name was Jones, you married and took
your spouse's name Smith. You had a child who took the name of Smith.
You divorced and remarried and changed your name to your new spouse's
last name, Walker. In order to connect yourself to the child, you
will need a marriage certificate proving your changed your name
from Smith to Walker, or two marriage certificates, proving you
changed your name from Jones, to Smith to Walker.
Back toDocumentation
Section
WRITER'S BIO
Brenda Elwell is the author of The
Single Parent Travel Handbook and managing editor of The Single
Parent Travel Network, a Web site and
free monthly newsletter chock
full of Single Parent Travel Specials.
A veteran of over thirty years in the travel industry, she has traveled
independently to more than 60 countries, half of them with her two kids
in tow. Brenda may be reached via e-mail at brenda@singleparenttravel.net.
If you liked what you read, please support The
Single Parent Travel Network by buying The
Single Parent Travel Handbook. Read about how you can buy a book,
by clicking here. Or you can join other
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