Can I take my child on holiday this summer?

With the school holidays fast approaching you are probably thinking about your next family getaway. If you share parental responsibility with any other person, you may be wondering whether you need any permissions to take your child on holiday.

You can take your child anywhere within England and Wales without the permission of the other person with parental responsibility, providing there is no order prohibiting you. If there is a Child Arrangements Order specifying contact, both parties must comply with the Order unless agreed otherwise.

In order to take your child on holiday outside of England or Wales, you require the permission of those with parental responsibility, or the court. If you have a Child Arrangements Order, stating that the child is to live with you, you will be entitled to take your child abroad for a period of less than one month, providing there is no Prohibited Steps Order in place stipulating otherwise.

For more information on parental responsibility please refer to our blog post, here.

If permission is required and you cannot obtain consent to the holiday from all those with parental responsibility, you will need to make a Specific Issue Application to the court. George Green’s Family Law Specialists regularly provide advice in respect of court applications and advice around your children.