How Do I Stop My Ex From Getting A Passport For Our Child in Illinois?

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I stop my ex from getting a passport for our child in Illinois?” you should know that the co-parent of your child cannot take them out of the country without your authorization. However, this doesn’t mean your ex won’t try to obtain a passport for your child. Co-parenting is often challenging for many people, but when your ex is particularly uncooperative, be sure to consult with a family lawyer experienced in complex custody issues.

Can I Stop My Child’s Other Parent From Getting Them a Passport?

For parents who have dissolved their marriage or are separated, traveling with a minor child can be done with the proper documentation and planning. However, there are multiple restrictions that both parties must be aware of if they wish to travel with their child, especially internationally. Whether a parent wants to travel out of state with their child or take them on an international vacation, it’s important that the other parent is made aware of the travel plans and provides prior written authorization.

While the consent of both parents is needed for a child to travel internationally, it is possible for one party to submit a passport application without necessarily having the other parent’s knowledge or approval. To combat this, you can enroll in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program. By doing this, the U.S. Department of State will notify you if your child has received a passport or if they have a pending passport application.

This program allows you and your co-parent to stay up to date on your child’s passport status until they turn 18 as long as you retain your parental rights. You can also withdraw your consent for your child’s passport or active application, but if a passport has already been issued, its validity cannot be revoked or canceled. To stop your child from receiving another passport or if your consent was fraudulently obtained, you can contact the Office of Children’s Issues.

What to Do If Your Ex Plans to Violate a Custody Order

Despite being unable to prevent your co-parent from obtaining a passport for your minor child, you can take action if:

• the child’s other parent fraudulently got your authorization for their passport application
• your ex plans to or has already left the country with your child without your consent
• the other party has otherwise defied the terms of your established custody arrangement or parenting plan.

It is also important to know if you may be the parent accused of such violations so you know how to properly travel with your child internationally and not break your custody arrangement or custody laws. It’s advised that you do not prolong your stay when traveling on a visa and keep your co-parent informed of any changes that may occur during your trip.

If your ex has taken your child out of the country without your consent or in violation of the travel specifications with your parenting plan, consult a qualified family lawyer with experience in international parental abduction. A lawyer can also help you in getting your ex to surrender your child’s passport if you have concerns about international child abduction.

FAQs

Can I Stop My Ex From Getting a Passport for My Child?

You can stop your ex from traveling internationally with your child by contacting a family law attorney, but you may not necessarily keep them from submitting a passport application on your child’s behalf. You can enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s program that tracks whether your child has a passport or a pending application. This way, you can cancel the application or withdraw your consent by contacting them.

What Should I Do If My Ex Already Got My Child a Passport?

If your ex has completed the application process and obtained a passport for your child, you can take legal action by taking the matter to family court. Your family law attorney can help you by bringing the situation to the court, presenting proof that your co-parent has obtained a passport for your child, violating your wishes or the terms of an established custody order. Judges can order for a parent to surrender the minor’s passport to prevent abduction.

How Do I Get My Child’s Passport If My Ex Says No?

If your child’s other parent does not authorize your plans for international travel or leaving the country violates the terms of your custody agreement, you can contact a qualified family lawyer.

A family law attorney can discuss how to go about modifying your current parenting plan or conducting mediation efforts with your co-parent. It is not advised that you plan to travel with your child without making your co-parent aware and receiving their written authorization.

What Does a Parental Abduction Lawyer Do in Illinois?

A parental abduction lawyer is a legal professional educated in custody law and international parental abduction issues. This area of the law is particularly complex, so it’s a good idea to consult with a skilled and experienced family lawyer.

Whether you have been accused of parental abduction or you suspect your ex plans to leave the country with your child without your authorization, a lawyer can provide knowledgeable legal advice and develop a strategy to resolve your issue.

What Do I Do If I’ve Been Accused of International Child Abduction?

If you’ve been accused of parental kidnapping or international abduction, it’s crucial to promptly contact a family lawyer. Facing accusations of kidnapping or abduction is a very serious matter and shouldn’t be treated lightly.

If your co-parent suddenly changes their mind or denies giving you prior authorization to travel internationally with your child, it’s strongly recommended that you take early action. A lawyer can advise you on what to do next and consult with your ex’s legal team.

Skilled Family Law Firm Experienced in International Travel Issues

At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., our legal team has extensive knowledge and practical experience with custody law issues, including parental kidnapping and international travel. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with an educated and capable family lawyer.