I’m planning a trip abroad with my kids, and I have full legal and physical custody. Their dad has been absent for a while, and I just found out he passed away this morning. I’ve been told I might need a notarized consent form from him, but that’s not possible now. I’ve also read I should have a certified copy of the divorce decree. Has anyone else been through this or have tips on what I need to avoid issues at customs?
You definitely need certified copies of your custody agreement and passports. I usually bring a birth certificate copy too, just in case. I’ve traveled a lot with my kids and only got asked for documents once.
I’ve only needed a letter traveling to Canada, but I’ve taken them to Mexico and the EU without anyone asking for docs. Bring copies of custody paperwork and maybe evidence of the death, like an obituary.
Yeah, Canada is strict about that. I always keep my custody documents handy when traveling, just in case.
You might want to check with the courthouse for a certified copy of your divorce documents. They usually do it for a small fee.
I got my mom’s death certificate super fast, like in a week. Just ask the funeral home—they usually handle all that stuff for you.
dickie said:
I got my mom’s death certificate super fast, like in a week. Just ask the funeral home—they usually handle all that stuff for you.
What’s a funeral home? Do they help with this kinda thing?
@Moore
Yeah, they take care of all the arrangements after someone passes away. They can help you get the death certificate quickly.