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Glanvilles understands how difficult and stressful it can be to sort out arrangements for children. We have many years of experience in dealing with children issues both private law and public law.
You cannot take your child (under the age of 16) out of England and Wales without the consent of all others who have Parental Responsibility for your child or an order of the Court. To do so may be a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984.
You should always discuss holiday plans involving your children with the other parent and provide details including, destination, travel plans and emergency contact details. If they will not agree to a reasonable request for a holiday then an application can be made by you to the Court. This application may succeed as long as it is reasonable and in your child's best interest.
If a Residence Order is in force then the parent in whose favour the Residence Order is made may take the child out of the UK for up to 28 days without consent. However, they should still notify the other parent of their plans, as a matter of Courtesy.
If you wish to move abroad with your child, the consent of the other parent with Parental Responsibility will be required. Even if the other parent does not have Parental Responsibility, there should be consultation and agreement. This will enable proper plans to be put in place regarding your child's relationship with the other parent and will prevent any last minute disruption to the move.
If the other parent objects to your child moving abroad you will have to make an application to the Court. The Court will have to decide the matter. In doing so, they will take into account:
There is no presumption that you will be given permission to take your child with you to move abroad but great importance will be attached to how carefully your plans have been thought out and the motivation behind them. The Court will consider each application on its individual merits.
You can contact your local Glanville’s office in Chichester, Fareham, Havant or Petworth or use the contact form below and we will get back to you quickly.