BootsnAll Travel Community

I currently have a vacation planned with my minor children. I live in Wyoming, USA. Their father and I have joint legal custody and I have physical custody. Can anyone tell me what is the protocol on leaving the us on this vacation? He helped me get their passports no problem, but now that we have this trip booked is saying he doesn't want me to take them? What can I do to exit the country with them legally? We have a departure date, and a return date booked already within the month... PLEASE HELP ME! Thanks! wiggy

I would assume this is something about which you may want to consult your lawyer, especially since he is saying he doesn't want you to take them (after you have already discussed it).

Children not travelling with both of their legal parents must have a NOTARIZED authorization from the non-traveling parent, allowing the children to leave the US. If the children's dad isn't willing to do that, you may want to check with your city if they offer mediation (part of family court), and hopefully your ex will come to his senses. Outside of that, you only have the option of taking the legal course. - Doesn't he see that he is hurting the children? What a silly power play! - The best of luck. Travel can be wonderfully educational for all ages.

Thanks for your imput, we'll see what we see!

Thanks for your advise. Yeah-- lawyer time! YUCK!-- and things were going sooo nicely. I really thought he and I could be friends! How stupid was I?!!-- guess pretty considering I married his stupid butt to start with!-- Anyhoo thanks again!-

I"m not sure how much it has changed in the past few years, but I traveled with my twins when theywere little with no problem at all - nobody even questioned me.

We were living in Ethiopia at the time and my father died. The boys and I flew back to the US for his funeral, then flew back to Ethiopia. My husband stayed in Ethiopia the whole time. I was never questioned at all - not coming into the US nor going out.

Thanks again. I appreciate your input. I HAVE TO BE SURE. It would really break my heart if I got some amber alert put out on me, and came home from our vacation with federal agents ready to throw me in the slam! Then I'd lose them for good, and they are my life-I can't live with out them! Thanks again!-

Oh gosh - I wasn't saying to just go and take the risk!! That absolutely would not be the best thing to do at all! By all means check it out and find out exactly what you need to do to be sure you don't get in trouble.

I was just saying my experience just cuz.

No no! Thank you for your help! I appreciate the answers! REALLY! This has been quite the ordeal for me, but I thank you for your input. I really wouldn't put my children in that situation! Happy trails!