Single parent traveling to Canada with minor child

Question

I am separated and in the process of divorcing and will be driving to Canada with my daughter. My soon-to-be-ex has drafted a letter of permission--does this need to be notarized? Also since the divorce is not final and there are no custody documents, does this pose a potential problem?

Answer 1

Yes, it must be notarized.  Bring the birth certificate as well.  We brought along the court order regarding custody and the person at the border only checked the birth certificates -- not the letter and not the court documents.  But to be on the safe side, bring everything you can to avoid any problems.

Answer 2

I have a friend that went to Canada with her two kids a couple of years ago, and she had the same dilemma.  Concerns about the divorce should not be an issue as long as you have the letter from your current husband, their father.  My friend took a similar letter and had it notarized, just to be on the safe side.

Also, be prepared: take their birth certificates and a copy of your marriage license, so authorities can see that the father/your husband was the proper person to have drafted the letter.

Answer 3

If there are no custody papers yet, that is ok as long as you have a notarized letter of permission.  The divorce has no bearing on this situation since it has not been finalized.