Do I need parental permission to travel at Christmas?

If there is a Child Arrangements Order stating that a child lives with one parent, that parent can take the child outside of England and Wales for up to one month without the other parent’s consent.

If there are no court orders in place, then the separated or divorced parent must seek the consent from everyone with parental responsibility for the child.

The best way to obtain consent is by obtaining a letter signed by every person with parental responsibility consenting to the holiday.

Even if the holiday is in England or Wales, or a parent has an Order stating that the child lives with them, it is still a good idea to obtain the consent of the other parent. Especially, if the holiday is likely to affect or infringe child arrangements such as contact with the other parent.