Divorced and Need to Travel with Your Child Outside the Country? Here’s What You Need to Know!
When you’re a divorced parent with a child, it seems as though everything becomes more complicated. Weekend plans are no longer simple and straightforward – you need to coordinate with your ex.
Things can become even more problematic if you suddenly need to travel outside of Canada, and you need to take your kids with you. You might be very stressed out and not aware of the legal issues at stake. We’ve created a list of what you need to know before a difficult situation arises.
Canadian Passport
If your child under the age of 16 is leaving the country, he or she needs a valid Canadian passport. Gone are the days when a child could travel on a parent’s passport.
Should your child not have a passport, you will have to apply for one. There is an option for urgent passport processing and pickup, which means the passport will be available the next day. Of course, that service costs extra, and it isn’t available in all Service Canada locations.
Other Important Travel Documents
The Government of Canada recommends that children up to the age of 19 traveling with only one parent carry a consent letter with them. A consent letter confirms that the non-accompanying parent has given permission for the child to travel abroad.
Having a consent letter isn’t mandatory, but it’s certainly a very good idea. Immigration authorities might ask for it when you’re entering or leaving a foreign country. Airline agents and Canadian immigration officials may also request it. The Government of Canada’s website has a link to a sample consent letter, and it should be signed by the non-accompanying parent, even if that parent doesn’t have custody and only has visitation rights.
In addition to a consent letter, the Government of Canada recommends that the parent take documentation, which offers proof of the child’s identity, such as a birth certificate or a citizenship card if the child immigrated to Canada. Taking divorce papers and custody court orders is also a good idea.
Be Prepared and Organized
No one knows when a situation will arise when you need to leave the country immediately with your child. However, it’s a good idea to have the requisite documents in advance, so if you do need to travel suddenly, you won’t face any problems.
Let’s say a loved one dies in a foreign country, and you want to travel there to attend the funeral. You don’t want the airline official to prevent you from boarding the plane because you don’t have a consent letter from your ex-spouse. And if your child doesn’t have a passport, he or she can’t leave the country at all.
Fine & Associates: Your Divorce Law Experts
Are you going through a divorce? Contact Fine & Associates today at 647-496-2860. Our dedicated legal professionals can help you through this difficult and stressful time. We know that divorce is hard, and we will fight for your rights to make sure you get what you deserve.