Before you book that ticket to Paris (or Peoria), pull out your custody paperwork. It's not sexy, but it's essential. The type of custody you have dictates what hoops you’ll need to jump through: Sole Legal Custody: If you have this, congratulations—you're in the legal driver’s seat. You can usually make travel decisions on your own, though some court orders still require you to notify or inform the other parent before leaving the state or country. Joint Legal Custody: This is where things get stickier. You’ll likely need written permission from the other parent for any travel, especially internationally. Pro tip: get it notarized. Some border agents want to see that extra level of officialness. Shared Physical Custody: Even trickier. You need to travel during your custodial time and may still need that golden permission slip. Flying out during their weekend? Hard pass.

Most airlines don’t require a consent letter for kids flying with one parent within the U.S. But if: Your child’s last name doesn’t match yours You’re going out of state for an extended time You have a grumpy co-parent or a vague custody order …then it’s smart to carry a notarized letter just in case. It’s your “no, really, I’m allowed to do this” card.

Here’s your checklist: Passport: Kids need their own. Getting one typically requires consent from both parents unless you have full legal custody and the documentation to prove it. Consent Letter: A notarized letter from the other parent granting you permission to travel abroad with your child. It should include travel dates, destination, and your info. Proof of Custody: Some countries or airlines want to see that you legally have the right to take your child abroad. Bring copies of court orders. Translation: If you're going somewhere where English isn’t the primary language, translate any legal docs into that language and get them notarized if possible. Hot Tip: Even if no one asks for the documents, the one time you don’t bring them will be the time you get stopped. It’s Murphy’s Law for single moms. And If Your Ex Won’t Cooperate? It happens. If they’re refusing to sign off without a valid reason, talk to your attorney about court intervention. Judges don’t tend to look kindly on obstructionist co-parents. So yeah—this isn’t the fun part. But it's the part that protects your ability to make memories without a side of legal drama.