International Travel in a Separated Family
International travel can be a source of stress for separated families if one party does not consent to the trip.
Even if your separation is amicable it is important you are prepared as a single parent travelling with your child.
Getting a passport
If your child does not currently have a passport both parents will need to sign the passport application. The non-travelling parent may refuse to sign the documents. When an agreement cannot be reached you will likely require advice on making a Family Court application. The Court has the power either to require the non-consenting parent to sign the application, or to rule their signature is not necessary.Difficulties with consent
Passport applications and travel plans can be disrupted by the non-travelling parent for several reasons:- Concerns for the child’s safety in the foreign country
- The length of international travel
- Genuineness of plans to return to Australia
- Whether the child will be affected by the absence of the non-travelling parent