Kids names on birth cert's different...

[florida res]

Please tell me if this will be a problem.
My kids last names on their birth cert's, are different from my married last name. My maiden name and THEIR father is listed on their birth certificates. My divorce paperwork lists me as the 'custodial parent' and him as the non-custodial parent (he gets them every other weekend)
Do I really need him to sign the "consent" form?
This really wouldn't be too big of an issue but his mom just passed away and we leave in 2 weeks. I would feel bad about forcing him to sign something for me right now, in a limited amount of time, since he is dealing with his loss.
Do they really scrutinize the names/relationship on the birth certs that closely? Would my marriage cert suffice?
Help!

 

[Memaw2Wm]

I'd get him to sign ... a DCL rep told me that since my grandson's mother isn't cruising with us, my DS would need a permission letter from her.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[ivanova]

you don't want to deal with the hardship if fighting a CM at the terminal because you didn't have your ex sign it. Better safe than sorry IMHO.

 

[wdwmom2]

My DH and I both have children from previous marriages. We had our ex's sign the form. But at the terminal no one even asked to look at them. I still would have him sign it just in case. It also needs notorized.

Sharon

 

[Rence]

I defnately recommend getting the form signed. This is an area where Disney really can't afford to let it slide.

Most of the policies regarding required identification are not set by Disney, but instead are set by the US Government and the governments from the various ports of call.

The other issue that you are dealing with here is that Disney has to be careful that they do not become party to a child abduction. A divorced parent could bring the children on board without the knowledge of their ex. Then take off with the kids from one of the ports of call never to be heard from again.

Disney needs to know that both parents know about the trip and have agreed to it and without the form they have no way of knowing.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

IMHO - If you are listed as custodial parent - then I don't see why you would have to get it - If you were a granparent, aunt, uncle, friend of the child, then I would see why you would -

A quick call to DCL would help you out -

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by Rence
...Disney has to be careful that they do not become party to a child abduction. A divorced parent could bring the children on board without the knowledge of their ex. Then take off with the kids from one of the ports of call never to be heard from again.

Disney needs to know that both parents know about the trip and have agreed to it and without the form they have no way of knowing.

I think that Disney only requires parental permission is when, as their form in your documents asks, are you traveling with children other than your own?

It is my understanding, both from my own experiences and from the times I recall this issue coming up previously that if the children ARE yours, and you have documentation for the DCL rep so that they can see that the parent on the birth certificate is indeed the person accompanying them then there is no requirement for any signature from the other parent.

I took my custodial paperwork, but was never asked for it, much less any "permission slip" from their biological father.

 

[epjenk]

I would get it if I were you. Although passports are not required on this trip, there have been major changes in the laws regarding leaving the country with a child. If both parents don't go to get the passport, then you have to have copies of the other parents id and a permission letter. They are trying to make it much more strict to prevent one parent from kidnapping the child to his/her another country. The reason they don't accept divorce papers for that is that they can have no way of knowing if you have been forced back to court and a change in custody ordered- you can't tell that from looking at the papers. I know the passport rules don't apply here, but since you are traveling to a foreign country there is a fair chance that scrutiny will increase with this type of travel too- and you don't want to be left at port waving the ship away! Better safe than sorry, even if it is a hassle.

 

[jeanniec]

Wow! My daughter and grandson are cruising with us next June (2005). Her birth certificate shows her maiden name ( as mine does). Is that, in itself, a problem? Also, she and her ex were recently divorced. No custody arrangements are included in the divorce agreement. She has him except for every other weekend by mutual (but not legal) agreement. Does she need to get one of these permission letters before we sail? And where do you get a letter or do you just make one up?

 

[florida res]

Ok, I called DCL today and asked them. I explained that I am remarried a tnd my children obviously have a different last name then mine now. The expl'd as long as I have full custody then I don't have to worry about nothing. She suggested I have my divorce paperwork in hand but she said I won't need it. She said the only time we would need the others permission is if we had joint custody. I asked her what the difference is between joint custody and full custody and she said joint custody is where the children live with both parents 50% of the time. I explained that my kids go every other weekend and she said that is considered full custody. She also made a comment to the effect that obviously the kids would say you're their mom, almost like that won't bother you unless the kids look like they don't "fit".
The cruise "ticket" that has to be signed says for "minor children under 18 traveling without their parent or guardian" and that doesn't apply in my eyes since I am their parent!
I may call one more time to see if a different CM gives me a diff answer.
My point behind this all is if the tables were reversed and the EX was taking them on the cruise, this wouldn't even come up since all their names would match! No one would know that "technically" he should have my permission!

 

[ValDisney]

I called disney bc I am traveling alone w the children. My passport is in my maiden name. They said no problem. Since I am the mother (it shows my name on the birth certificate) I will not have a problem. Look how many people travel w/o spouses and take the children. My friend took his children w/o his wife (she just had surgery and wanted to be left alone). He was not questioned at all. He went on the disney cruise.
Just letting you know.

 

[jeanniec]

Thanks for the information, ValDisney!