Do I need non-custodial father's permission for my son to go an a cruise?

Question

Look at the 3rd paragraph from the bottom on the carnival site...Does he actually have to give us permission to go, even though he doesnt have custody of my 12 yr old?

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/New_Passport_Requirements.aspx

Answer 1

In most instances, yes.  I too have physical primary custody, yet we share joint legal custody.  I took my son to Alaska, which went into Canada, and yes, I was required to have a notarized statement.  It is for the cruiseline's protection, due to many child kidnappings on international waters.  Check with your legal resources on this matter.  On another note, even though I was required to have this notarized statement, the cruiseline never asked for it.  Don't take the chance, and good luck.

Answer 2

I'm a step-mom and my husband hasn't always had joint custody of

his kids.  Even when his ex had full custody, she still had to get

permission from my husband to be able to take the kids out of state.

She has also taken the kids out of country twice (Canada and Cancun)

and both times my husband had to sign and have notarized a letter

saying she had his permission to leave the country.

I really hope you can work this out.  I would hate to think that your ex

would ruin a chance like this for your son!!  

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hey, despite our best efforts at answering your question, why entrust your Yahoo friends for such a critical question.  Call the cruise line (NOT THE TRAVEL AGENT) and get your answer directly then ask for a letter to back it all up.

The last thing you need is to book and PAY for your travel only to be turned away at the Boarding Check-in Desk for lack of appropriate paperwork.  Those agents know what they're doing and will not accept the, "Well, my travel agent said, ...."

Answer 4

Wow, I think you'd better get some official legal advice.  I've heard of custodial parents taking their kids out of state and getting whacked with contempt of court for such, so I'd definitely check with a lawyer in your state.  Is there a guardian ad litum at the local courthouse you could ask?

Answer 5

When my daughter was 15, I took her on a cruise. I feel sure she told her father we were going, but I never asked his permission and I have custody. I can understand the jealous part. My ex has tons of money, but never does anything for our daughter, but then you can see how jealous he is of all the fun she has with me, her step-father (whom she calls Daddy) and her "step" brothers/sisters. Read your divorce papers. Most of them will just specify that you make joint decision regarding education, medical issues, etc., and that's IF you share joint LEGAL custody. Good luck and have a great time!!!

Answer 6

It says "strongly recommend," which means that you don't have to, but I would highly recommend that you call Carnival and have them clarify.  Would it be hard to get a letter from his father?

EDIT:

If his "father" is an a** then just take copies of your custody papers.  Good luck and have a good time!  :-)

Answer 7

Do you have sole custody?  Do you have court papers showing that?  Are you travelling by Air?   If you are required to have a passport for this trip, you will have to have those court papers showing sole custody, or have a notarized letter of permission from the father in order to get a passport for your child.  Then , it is a good idea to carry the documentation as well as the passport with you.  You can see the web site below for regulations for obtaining a passport for a child.  If no passport is required for this trip, call and ask the cruise line in the court papers are enough documentaion.  They WILL question a lone parent with a minor child.

Answer 8

We took the Carnival Ecstasy out of Galveston in June 2006.  

My sister and niece were in the same situation.  The booking agent did not even question the fact that each was travel ling without the children's father.

I would be more concerned about your divorce decree than Carnival's rules.  Does your decree require that you notify and/or get permission to take the child out of the country?

Answer 9

If he is considered a legal guardian you probably should. It says strongly recommend , not required, so If the ex is a real jerk I wouldn't bother.  If hes willing to write a note though, I would go ahead and get one. I guess they want to make sure your not kidnapping him.