Worried about Mr. Right or Mrs. Right Now

It’s important to stay vigilant about international travel when co-parenting, especially with the rise of online relationships. A sudden relocation or invitation abroad—whether to Bogotá or Spain—can quickly complicate custody arrangements. A key question to ask is whether your child has a passport and how that affects travel permissions. Being proactive can prevent surprises and protect your parental rights. If your co-parent hints at relocating or traveling with the child, knowing your legal options and acting swiftly is essential.

Illegally obtaining a child’s passport without proper consent is difficult but not impossible. In the U.S., both parents generally need to approve a minor's passport application, either in person or through notarized consent from the non-applying parent. However, some have bypassed these safeguards using forged documents or by falsely claiming sole custody.

Staying proactive—such as monitoring passport applications through the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP)—can help parents prevent unauthorized travel. It’s crucial to act quickly if international travel is a concern.