Travelling Overseas with your Child when Separated

As a single parent, travelling overseas with a child can bring with it many complexities, especially when there are family law proceedings currently before the Courts.

When you are arranging your passport or visas, booking your flights and accommodation, and making travel arrangements, it is important you obtain the written consent of the other parent, or obtain an order of the Court, allowing you to travel. Travelling overseas without an order, or consent, is a punishable offence of up to three years imprisonment.

We can work with you to negotiate interim arrangements with your former spouse or partner, to keep the matter out of court, and keep things peaceful before you head off on your travels. It is important to be open and transparent with the other parent with respect to travel arrangements, including by providing them with flight details, accommodation details and contact details for the child. Offer them telephone or Skype time with the child and send photos to keep them updated. These simple things can help to assist in maintaining a health co-parenting relationship and avoiding future conflict the next time you wish to holiday overseas.

If you can’t come to any agreement, speak with a specialist family lawyer and obtain legal advice prior to making your travel arrangements. There is nothing worse for a child than the excitement of an upcoming holiday, only to arrive at the airport to be stopped because of an Airport Watchlist Order preventing them from boarding the plane.

Need more information? Come in for a first free consultation with one of our specialist family lawyers today, and take the first step towards a healthy and happy co-parenting relationship.

Author: Gabriella Arvanitis, Senior Associate – Family Law
Service: Family Law