Planning a summer vacation or even a short getaway with a child can be complicated if you’re a divorced parent. There are multiple things to take into consideration, like whether it will interfere with your co-parent’s assigned parenting time, whether you need their permission to travel where you want to go and how your child will stay in touch with their other parent while you’re gone.
For any travel that requires your co-parent’s consent, it’s smart to create a “consent to travel” letter that both of you sign. If that consent is legally required under the terms of your custody agreement, you should have it witnessed and possibly even notarized.
These letters, even if they aren’t required, are often a good idea because they help parents avoid confusion and conflict, let them stay in the loop on what their child is doing and provide valuable peace of mind.
What information should the letter include?
The letter should address details like:
- Dates of travel
- Transportation details (like airlines and flight numbers) or car routes
- Lodging information like hotel names, vacation rental listings, campgrounds or relatives/friends’ homes
- When and how the child and non-traveling parent will communicate
It’s also a good idea to list anyone else who will be on the trip (for example, friends or family).
Why bring a copy of the letter with you?
It’s smart to carry a copy of the signed letter with you. It can be helpful if you’re questioned by TSA and/or airline personnel. They are trained to watch for child trafficking, which often involves an adult traveling alone with a child. Parents with children who are biracial or of another race than they are unfortunately arouse more suspicion than parents and children of the same race. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your child’s birth certificate and your custody order.
What kind of travel consent documentation you create depends largely on your custody agreement, your relationship with your co-parent, how far and for how long you’re traveling and more. A simple email with some details or notes in your co-parenting app might suffice in some circumstances. It’s a matter of what works best for you, your co-parent and (most importantly) your child. If you have questions or concerns, reach out for legal guidance.
If you have questions or concerns about preparing a consent to travel letter ahead of any summer travels with your child, having legal guidance can help.