Child passport after divorce

[TN_boy]

Anyone here had to petition the court to make your ex sign off on getting a passport for your child(ren)?

Our decree has NO language about out of state or international travel. We are joint managing conservators.

According to my research, as long as she cannot prove I am a flight risk, she has to sign. If she refuses then the judge can make her sign.

I have been married to my current wife for 3 years and we have been together for 7. My brother in law just moved with his family to Japan and we would like to go visit and take my son with us.

I mentioned to my ex last week about her signing for a passport and her response was "ain't no way in hell Anakin (our son) is getting a passport. It's too dangerous overseas!"

We have been fairly amicable up to this point with give and take, possession changes, extra time, etc.

Looks like I'm going to need a lawyer to write her a letter explaining the law and prepare for court. The thing that ****** me off is I have to pay for my lawyer and hers has always been free. She has had the same live in boyfriend for 7 years. On her taxes she claims single, $10k income, head of household, EIC on our son and her new son with boyfriend. He files single separately. This gets her food stamps, free Insurance, free lawyer, blah, blah, blah. Oh, and they just bought a house in Copperas Cove. 5th move in 9 years and 6th different school our son has been in.

How do you fight a court battle where the other person gets free representation?

[BrandonA]

It’s in my decree that we both have to give each other permission. Luckily it’s never been an issue

[thegrouse]

It was explained to me that sure we can go to court but it may not be the only item that gets brought up. I was not willing to lose custody so didn't press the issue. Once they turn 16 you can get one over the objection of the other party. You can petition the state department to get one but it is a high hurdle to clear from what I hear.

[BrandonA]

I can also understand your ex’s fears as well especially with the world today. If it were me I would pull data showing Japan is one of the safest countries to travel. Ease her concern

[aggie2000tx]

Is it really worth a fight just to go visit someone overseas?

[Artos]

Japan is way safer than the US in regards to 'safety' standard...sounds like you gotta go through the motions & needs to get handled asap. Sorry.

The whole 'overseas' comment is stupid?? Tell her fine & you'll stay on this side of the pond & are gonna head into the heart of mexico, central america then brazil.

[joel45acp]

My ex wanted to take my boys to Mexico on a vacation and needed passports signed. The divorce decree stated I needed to sign if asked. I told her I would never do it and no freaking judge would make me do it. I was willing to go to jail on contempt if I had to. She realized I was serious so she changed her plans about a vacation to Mexico and instead took the boys to the beach. Hell no were my kids going to Mexico with neither knowing any spanish. The ex didn’t speak a lick of Spanish either. YMMV.

[sbushee]

Just remember that you loved her once. And I’ve been to copperas cove... meh.
That being said, I hope it goes well for you. Sounds like it might be an uphill battle

[TN_boy]

Is it really worth a fight just to go visit someone overseas?

I look at it as an opportunity to see and experience another culture while young. No guarantee I'll be around to take him in 5 more years.