Anyone have trouble from their ex's with taking your children to North Africa?

[amal 4]

Thanks for the information nu! I could say that the ex is in Ohio somewhere and has not had contact with us in the last 2 years...and his phone was disconnected....and address is unknown to where he's staying at now. .... I wonder if that'd work. I think I'll call that number.

Thanks again!!!!

amal

[amal 4]

OK so I called the Office of Children's Issues 1-888-407-4747 to ask directly (as nu suggested). The guy said that even tho we have absolutely no contact with the man (and haven't for OVER A YEAR) that we still must obtain a signed and notarized DS1353 form OR go to court and have a judge rule that it's ok to obtain a passport without the man signing his approval. UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG He said that since the document that I had signed and notarized 8 years ago is no longer valid.

[nu7015 0]

OK so I called the Office of Children's Issues 1-888-407-4747 to ask directly (as nu suggested). The guy said that even tho we have absolutely no contact with the man (and haven't for OVER A YEAR) that we still must obtain a signed and notarized DS1353 form OR go to court and have a judge rule that it's ok to obtain a passport without the man signing his approval. UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG He said that since the document that I had signed and notarized 8 years ago is no longer valid.

Oh boy, I was afraid that's what they'd say. It's amazing the extent WE (the parents who take care of and provide for the children) have to go through to ask approval from someone (deadbeat parent) who doesn't even give a ####### about anything their kids do.

I get that there are some parents who do take advantage of the chance to run away with their kids to another country to never return. I can't imagine the horror that would be for a parent that really cared and the nightmare they face in trying to see their kids again. I get that. On the other hand, it leaves a mess for the rest of custodial parents to get a passport for their kids.

I have no idea where you start to track down your child's father if you have no address or phone #. I can't imagine the time and possible expense of that. Then if he cannot be found, or he won't give permission (like my ex), then there is the enormous cost of fighting in court about whether or not the child should be allowed to get a passport. For heaven's sake, you need a passport to just go to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean!

It makes me depressed to even think about starting the process...

Edited July 28, 2009 by nu7015