Do I need a letter of consent to travel alone with a 15 year old?

Question

I'm taking my 15 step-daughter to Mexico alone. Her parents have joint custody even though she lives primarily with us. Do I need a letter of consent from both parents or just her father?

Answer 1

Yes you do. Simple and straightforward. And I'm fairly positive it needs to be a notorized letter; not just a hand written one.

Answer 2

You need a written and verifiable (i.e. include a cell phone number where that parent could be reached at any time by an official, plus work and home phones) letter from each parent, and they have to be notarized.  And you should have a copy of the court order of custody showing joint custody, and proof of your marriage to the father.

In response to child smuggling,  international "adoption" scams, absconding parents, etc., immigration (everywhere!) is becoming very cautious about any child that is not with both of its parents.  Have the docs with you and there should be no problem at all.  Without them, you never know how much trouble you could encounter.

Answer 3

yes. just incase bring consent of both parents. i believe it should only be consent of the father