Many of Florida’s divorced parents enjoy an equal or near-equal share of time with their children. A parenting plan should allow for parents to take their children on vacation with a bit of negotiation. When planning a vacation that involves extensive or international travel, it is a good idea to prepare well in advance, so as to avoid conflict with the second parent and cause a delay in plans. Here are some tips for planning a vacation to help it all go smoothly:
Obtaining permission from second parent
The first and most critical plan of your vacation is obtaining permission from your child’s second parent to travel. If your plans involve crossing international borders or a significant change in your time-sharing schedule, these items must be addressed as soon as possible. Obtaining permission to take your child on vacation might include:
- Providing your ex with an itinerary in advance
- Making phone calls and Skype dates along the way
- Making alternative arrangements for carpools or other parenting obligations while you are away
Single parents should obtain a notarized letter of permission from the second parent and keep it with them as they travel. Children who travel out of the country with one parent are protected by the guidelines of The Hague Convention — a multinational unilateral treaty that protects children from abduction by their non-custodial parents across international lines.
Passports
If you plan to travel overseas you need passports. Passports are issued only to children whose parents both give permission and are present or submit a notarized letter of permission with the passport application.
Time-sharing schedule
Extensive travel might require some negotiation around your time-sharing schedule to compensate for the days or weeks your child misses with your ex. For the best results, these details should be addressed well in advance of your trip.
If you are planning a trip abroad with your children, consult a family law attorney at Weiner & Weiss, LLC. We can help you work within the parameters of your time-sharing agreement, so your travel plans go smoothly.
