A quetion for Single Parents (separated or divorced from Spouse) About Crossing Borde

[yosh12]

Okay I am recently separated and plan on taking my son to Disney next August. Now what am I going to need to get across the border. We are going to be flying out of buffalo. He will be 13 when we go. Now do I need a passport for him or will other identification work (sin, birth certificate.) Will I need a letter from his Mom also? Any information would be appreciated even past experiences to would help. Thanks

 

[Ted in Halifax]

you need a birth certificate only for him (many people here have made a solid case for getting a kids passport for safety reasons), but you will need a letter from his Mom. There is a form for this ... I will see if I can find the link ....

 

[Ted in Halifax]

here you go

http://www.pptc.gc.ca/planification/16-.aspx?lang=eng


see also
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2526414

 

[sjsjbrook]

If you go to a service Ontario location that has a commissioner of oaths (or rather your ex would have to) to have the letter signed it is free of charge.

Just look for a location in your area that has Commissioning of Oaths under it's special Note.

 

[Kat&Dom]

Okay I am recently separated and plan on taking my son to Disney next August. Now what am I going to need to get across the border. We are going to be flying out of buffalo. He will be 13 when we go. Now do I need a passport for him or will other identification work (sin, birth certificate.) Will I need a letter from his Mom also? Any information would be appreciated even past experiences to would help. Thanks

Have a great trip! Not sure if you and your ex-wife have discussed custody but if you are going to have Sole Custody of your son - it would be worth it to put a clause in it stating that you can travel outside of Canada without the written permission of his mother.

When I got divorced, I got Sole Custody of my son and when I mentioned how important travel was to me, the courthouse recommended that I have a clause in the Custody agreement stating that I can travel outside of Canada without the written permission of my ex - I have never had a problem with travel - I carry the divorce judgement and consent order with me and just show them at immigration.

Have a wonderful trip with your son!

 

[Disney-Chick]

I am a single mother and started going to Disney back in 2007. I have a court order stating that I have full custody. The first year I went we flew and all I had was her birth Cert. along with the custody papers, and the letter that I had him sign saying that I was aloud to take my daughter out of the country (she was 9 at the time, now 13). They never once asked for these papers, but I do now have a passport for her. The letter when filled out stated it was good for the 5 years, till the passport expires. I did contact the airlines at first to ask them about documents needed. Starting now is great, that way if there are any flaws you are able to deal with them minus the stress of rushing.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[yosh12]

Thanks for all the great information guys. We have joint custody so letter is needed.

 

[torontodisneyfan]

I have 50-50 custody with my ex and always bring a letter that is simply signed by my ex. To be honest I have only ever been asked for it once.

Not sure if this has been mentioned but you will only ever be asked for the letter when you return home (going through Canada customs) not when leaving the country.