Planning for the holidays? Start now!
It is that time of year when we are beginning to look at our holidays for the next 12 months. The key for separated parents is for both parents to give the other as much notice as possible and as much information as possible of the planned holiday. This includes:
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The date of the holiday
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The Airport travelling to/from
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The flight numbers and times
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The destination resort and hotel
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Arrangements for telephone or facetime contact during the holiday.
If you are travelling abroad, then you will need the consent of the other parent. Without it, this could be considered child abduction. If, however, there is a Child Arrangements Order stating that the child lives with one parent, then that parent (and only that parent) may take the child abroad for up to 4 weeks without the other parents’ consent. Regardless of this, my advice would usually be to give the other parent “the heads up” in any event.
If there cannot be an agreement with holiday plans, then an early application to court must be made. The Courts, generally, are enthusiastic for children to explore the world, have new experiences, try different food, etc. There is a backlog with the Court and it is therefore imperative that if an application is to be made, it is made 5/6 months in advance.
If you have any issues with regard to taking a child on holiday, whether that be within the UK or abroad, please don’t hesitate to contact Fiona Wilson, Head of the Family Department, who will be able to give advice and assistance.
If you believe you have a situation where you require legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000 or 01858 445 480, alternatively fill in the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
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