If one parent seeks to take their child abroad, they should discuss this with  the other parent if they also have Parental Responsibility. Permission would be best obtained in writing i.e. email or letter. Please find further details regarding permission letters here

It would be best practice to provide the other parent with all the relevant information including flights, holiday accommodation, length of travel and arrangements for contact during the time away.

If permission is refused then you should first consider mediation as a way of resolving matters. Please click here for further information regarding mediation. If you are still not able to agree through  non court based resolution then you may need to consider making an application to the family court.

Parents should be aware that if the court has already made an order providing that a child lives with a parent under a Child Arrangements Order, that the parent who has the benefit of that order is, unless expressed otherwise able to take their child abroad without seeking this permission for periods less than one month.  However regardless of this parents should as a matter of good practice work together to share information around holidays, particularly if it will affect the time that the child spends with the other parent. 

If one parent removes their child from the jurisdiction when permission is required and it is not obtained, then this could be considered as child abduction. Further information regarding child abduction can be found by following the link here.

The law and practice referred to in this article or webinar has been paraphrased or summarised. It might not be up-to-date with changes in the law and we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided at the time of reading. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice in relation to a specific set of circumstances.