Both parents travel, but mother does not use husband's name

[Lorraine]

Posted by Lorraine on November 16, 2003 at 14:21:27:

Just read article in NY Times about single parent travelling internationally. Has anyone had a problem with both parents travelling, but mother does not use the husband's name? My two children have their father's name, but I retained my married name. The last time I travelled outside of the country with my husband and two children was to Bermuda in 1999. There was no problem. Has this changed? Thanks for any advice.

[finchnyc]

I have not heard of anyone having a problem in this situation. However, for one parent to take their children into another country, a notarized consent form is usually required by the other parent, acknowledging they are aware of the travel. In your case, it sounds like you were with your husband when you traveled overseas with your children.

However, regardless of if you're traveling with your husband or not, you can preempt any problems overseas (or domestically) by having a copy of your children's birth certificates handy for any legal or health emergencies.