DH taking DS out of the US alone

[yoopermom]

and I'm panicking, because I'm sure I remember on these boards *somewhere* that he would need *something* (notarized permission from me?!?). I have a copy of his b.c., and they're only going to Canada, but if fifteen guys get turned back at the border and don't get to go fishing, *I'm* the one who'll be in trouble! Anyone have any ideas?
Terri

 

[Wagamama]

I don't understand why that would be a problem?

 

[TEENEE]

I had a male co-worker that got stuck at the airport in Canada for four hours because he was traveling alone with his infant child. He was not allowed to leave the airport until his wife was contacted and gave permission for him to be there with their baby. When my kids travel to Canada with my in-laws I send them with a notorized letter stating that their grandparents have permission to take them out of the country and to provide medical treatment and their bc's. Be sure and include your phone numbers just in case they want to reach you.

 

[yoopermom]

Well, I may be losing it, but I would have sworn that I read *somewhere* that if one parent takes the child out of the country, that the other parent has to give permission of some kind (maybe to stop these custodial abductions you hear about?). IE to make sure that he's really bringing dear son back to me!

Terri

 

[Wagamama]

oooh! ok, i gotcha!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

it's to protect against noncustodial parent abductions. a simple notarized statement will be sufficient if they should question your dh.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I think it only has to do with getting a Passport, that both parents have to agree to it.
http://travel.state.gov/pia_program.html

 

[binny]

You will need to send a letter with him saying that he has your permission to be traveling with ds, notarized would be better. He will need his Birth Certificate. I once took a friend over the border when I was 18 and she was 17 and they let us across the border but wouldnt let us back in, they had to contact her mom and she had to give her ok that we could come back lol.

It isnt usually the Canadian side that weve had issues with its been the American side. lol

 

[yoopermom]

"In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure."

Thank you for being vague! I was planning on sending along a medical release (in case his grandfather has to take him to the hospital), so will try to add in something stating I know where he's going and why.
Terri

 

[yoopermom]

Sorry, I meant thank you to the state dept for being vague; you fellow DISers are the best, not vague at all! I just know that every time the guys have tried to go back and forth since 9/11 it's been one trouble after another (I know the border guys have a job to do, but I'd like to see my son again before he turns 9!). A bunch of old guys with fishing poles, yup here comes trouble!

Thanks again!
Terri

 

[caitycaity]

and they're only going to Canada

going from canada-us is one of the worst for this type of thing actually. when my sister and i were little, and we used to go into canada all the time with my mom and gma -- EVERY time they asked to see documentation from dad. apparently custodial kidnapping from us-canada is a BIG problem.

 

[yoopermom]

Sigh. I wish he'd just stay home with me! This is his first year going, though, and his father and grandfather are really looking forward to taking him. He's used to staying at Ft Wilderness with me in our airconditioned r.v. eating at character meals, so I think sleeping in a tent, eating beans and fish, etc, is going to be a real shock for him!
Terri

 

[damo]

Sounds like they will have a ball. I would send a letter of permission along with them just in case, but since he is 15 they probably won't need anything other than the birth certificate.

 

[MerryPoppins]

My mom once tried to take me back into the country from a trip to Mexico without a letter of permission from my dad. They were not going to let me out of Mexico without a letter. A friend finally got it fixed, but not until I was scared to death!

Send a letter. That should cover it.