Skip to main content
Holiday as a co-parent
Advice

Navigate Co-Parenting Bliss: Essential Holiday Guide for Divorced and Separated Parents

Wendy Campbell Wendy Campbell
2 min read

Summer holiday booked – “phew!”
Travel Insurance  – check!
Suitcases in the garage – check!
Summer clothes down from the loft – check!
Passports in date – check!
Permission to travel letter from former spouse/partner – eerrrmm! 

When and Why Parents Require a Permission to Travel Letter

You do need consent: If you and your former spouse/partner have parental responsibility for a child, neither of you are permitted to take the child outside of England and Wales without the other parent’s written permission. To ensure there are no difficulties for you at the airport and so that you do not face the criminal offence of “child abduction” you should obtain a permission to travel letter from the parent not travelling.

Winston Solicitors with our specialist Family and Divorce Solicitors based in Leeds can assist in the preparation of a permission to travel letter to help you and your child(ren) have a smooth departure.

You don't need consent: If you have the benefit of a “live with” (residence) child arrangement order or a “shared care” order, then you are permitted to take your child abroad for a period of up to 28 days without the other parent’s written consent. It is therefore important that you carry a copy of the child arrangement order with you when you travel.

We would always advise that even if consent is not required you provide the other parent with the full details of the holiday arrangements.

This check list should include:

  • destination
  • flight
  • accomodation details
  • contact information

We would still recommend that you obtain written permission from the non-travelling parent to hand to airport authorities.

Travelling With 'Other People's Children'

Please remember that where neither parent is travelling with the children, for example they are travelling with grandparents or friends, then a permission to travel letter is required from both parents.

If you anticipate consent will not be given then an application will need to be made to the court, this is known as a specific issue application – which can take time, maybe as long as 4 months, so do not leave it until the last minute to make an application.

The courts will typically consider holidays a good experience for children so there will need to be an extremely convincing argument placed before the court for example risk of abduction or safety concerns to prevent a holiday taking place.

Winston Solicitors would therefore strongly advise that you obtain a permission to travel letter which we can prepare for you and help you try and reach an agreement with your former spouse/partner.  We are also able to make an application to court on our behalf (if refusal is anticipated).

Please place a permission to travel letter high up on your checklist.

Client feedback

Wendy Campbell supported me throughout my divorce, firstly with financial settlements and then again with family matters regarding children. I can't thank her enough and would recommend to anyone who finds themselves in this position. Thank you. - September 2025
J Hall, Barnsley
Very easy to make an appointment, and the advice given was presented in a manner that a layman can understand and all questions answered to my satisfaction. have no hesitation in recommending if you need to use their service.
Anonymous
I moved my divorce to Teresa and Judith from another solicitor that I did not have confidence in and what a difference. Their sensitivity and understanding got me through one of the worst times of my life. Their guidance, support and knowledge through the whole drawn out process is so appreciated. Together we managed to achieve a fair settlement. Teresa and Judith absolutely know what they are doing. I cannot recommend them enough.
Pauline
Outstanding Legal Support from Start to Finish:From my initial call to the resolution of my case, the firm and its staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism and care. I would particularly like to commend Mrs Harriet Reid, a family solicitor whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.Despite having less than ten days to prepare, Mrs Reid devoted considerable time and attention to my case. Her legal knowledge, strategic insight, and empathetic approach were of the highest calibre. She displayed remarkable skill in preparing the case for my counsel, ensuring every detail was meticulously addressed.If I ever require legal representation again, I know exactly where to turn.
Anonymous
Teresa and Judith assisted with my recent divorce and i cannot rate them highly enough, i was talked through every aspect and everything was explained in full and i was kept fully updated and imformed of everything that i needed to do and when it was required for. Their patience when i was working away and understanding was especially appreciated.Once that was all complete Amanda and Samantha and the convayensing team sorted the transfer of the house and the paperwork associated with that.I would highly recommend them and thier company for any legal issues you have and would use thier services again without hesitation.
Richard J
Hannah at Winston helped me with filing the financial issues of my divorce to the court. She liaised with my ex husband as I was at a point I could no longer speak to him. I am very grateful to Winston’s and especially Hannah.
Anonymous
Was very satisfied with all the procedure of getting divorced was kept informed always through and explained all the legality in simple terms
Terry
Wendy Campbell who delt with my devorce was polite and understanding,very pefessional.I could not have ask for a better person to help me through the bad times. Always keeping me up to date with every thing and no problem she could not handle.
Andrew
Contact Wendy