With the summer holidays approaching, many separated parents will be looking forward to spending quality time with their children, whether that’s a family holiday abroad, visiting relatives overseas or simply enjoying a change of scenery together.

However, if you are separated from your child’s other parent, planning a trip abroad can sometimes raise questions about what permissions may be needed before travelling.

One of the most common questions our Family Law team is asked at this time of year is whether a parent can take their child abroad without the other parent’s permission.

The answer will depend on your family’s individual circumstances, including who has parental responsibility and whether there are any court orders already in place.

Understanding your position before making travel arrangements can help avoid unnecessary stress and prevent disputes from arising at the last minute.

Why Is Consent Important?

When parents separate, it’s not unusual for disagreements to happen about holidays, particularly where one parent feels they have not been consulted or given enough information. In many cases, a conversation at an early stage can prevent misunderstandings and help both parents feel comfortable with the arrangements. Sharing details such as travel dates, accommodation information and plans for keeping in touch whilst away can often help address concerns before they develop into a larger dispute. Where an agreement has been reached, it is sensible to keep a written record of that agreement, particularly where international travel is involved.

Common Issues We See During the Summer Holidays

Every summer, we speak to parents who find themselves facing difficulties just as they’re preparing to go away. Sometimes a holiday has been booked before the other parent has been consulted. In other cases, concerns arise about missing time with a child during the school holidays or there may be uncertainty about whether permission is required.

Often, the issue isn’t the holiday itself. It’s the lack of communication surrounding it. Having discussions early, sharing information and addressing any concerns before
plans are finalised can often help avoid unnecessary stress for everyone involved, particularly the children.

Summer holidays should be about creating memories with your children, not worrying about legal issues or disagreements. If you are unsure whether you need permission to travel abroad with your child, or if a disagreement has occurred regarding a proposed holiday, our Family Law team is here to help.