Travelling abroad with your child can be an exciting opportunity to create lasting memories, but for separated parents, it also comes with important legal considerations. Whether you’re planning a family holiday or visiting relatives overseas, it’s vital to understand how travel fits within existing court arrangements. If you’re based in the South West, seeking guidance around child arrangement orders in Bristol can help ensure you travel with confidence while avoiding unnecessary legal complications.

This article explains what child arrangement orders mean for international travel, what permissions may be required, and how parents can plan ahead to keep things running smoothly.

Understanding Child Arrangement Orders

A child arrangement order is a court order that sets out where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. It replaces what were previously known as residence and contact orders.

These orders are designed to prioritise the child’s welfare and provide clarity for parents. However, they can also place limits on decisions such as taking a child abroad, even for a short holiday.

Understanding the wording of your order is the first step in determining what you can and cannot do.

When Permission Is Required to Travel Abroad

In many cases, a parent will need consent from the other parent before taking a child out of the UK. This applies whether the trip is for a weekend or several weeks.

Generally:

  • If a child lives with you under a child arrangement order, you can usually take them abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent’s consent, unless the order states otherwise.
  • If there is no such provision, written consent from everyone with parental responsibility is required.

Failing to obtain consent could be considered child abduction under UK law, even if the trip is intended to be temporary.

The GOV.UK guidance on taking a child abroad explains these rules in more detail.

Checking the Wording of Your Order Carefully

Not all child arrangement orders are the same. Some include specific clauses about travel, while others are more general.

Before booking flights, check whether your order:

  • Limits travel to certain countries.
  • Requires advance notice to the other parent.
  • Specifies how consent must be given.

If the wording is unclear, legal advice can help interpret the order and avoid misunderstandings.

How to Request Consent From the Other Parent

Open and early communication is often the best approach. If you need permission, make your request in writing and include clear details of the trip.

It’s helpful to share:

  • Travel dates and destination.
  • Flight details and accommodation information.
  • Emergency contact details.

Providing reassurance about safety and return dates can make consent more likely and reduce tension.

What to Do If Consent Is Refused

Sometimes, despite reasonable requests, consent may be withheld. This can be distressing, particularly if the trip is important to your child.

If this happens, you may be able to apply to the court for a specific issue order. This asks the court to decide whether the child can travel abroad.

When deciding, the court will focus on:

  • The child’s best interests.
  • The purpose and duration of the trip.
  • Any risk of the child not being returned.

The Family Court guidance provides general information about how family cases are handled.

Preparing Documents for Travel

Even when you have consent, it’s wise to travel with relevant paperwork in case you’re asked to prove your right to take the child abroad.

This may include:

  • A copy of the child arrangement order.
  • Written consent from the other parent.
  • The child’s birth certificate.

Having documents easily accessible can prevent delays at borders and reduce stress.

Considering the Child’s Feelings

Legal permission is only one part of the picture. Children may have mixed emotions about travelling abroad, especially if it affects time with the other parent.

Take time to:

  • Explain the trip in an age-appropriate way.
  • Reassure them about keeping in touch with the other parent.
  • Acknowledge any worries they express.

Supporting your child emotionally helps ensure the experience is positive rather than unsettling.

Planning Ahead to Avoid Disputes

Many travel-related disagreements arise because plans are made too late or information isn’t shared clearly. Planning well in advance gives everyone time to raise concerns and resolve issues calmly.

Where possible, try to:

  • Discuss future travel plans early.
  • Keep communication polite and child-focused.
  • Record agreements in writing.

Clear planning reduces the risk of last-minute disputes and legal action.

Keeping Travel Enjoyable and Stress-Free

Travelling abroad with your child should be an enjoyable experience, not a source of anxiety. Understanding your legal responsibilities and preparing properly can help everything run smoothly.

With clear communication, the right permissions, and a focus on your child’s wellbeing, you can travel confidently and create positive memories together.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Child arrangement orders and travel permissions depend on individual circumstances. Parents should seek advice from a qualified family law solicitor before travelling abroad with a child.