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I want to take my children abroad

There are many reasons why you may wish to take your children abroad. You may be feeling isolated and want to relocate permanently to be nearer to your family and support networks at home, you might be seeking a lifestyle change, or you may simply want to take your children on holiday. In some cases, you may want to take your children away to protect them from harm.

If you are seeking to take your children abroad without the consent of the other parent, however, you will need permission from the court to remove them from the jurisdiction in the form of a leave to remove statement. Removing a child from the jurisdiction without appropriate permission is a criminal offence that can have serious repercussions. Nevertheless, the court will approach any application to relocate with an open mind and their paramount concern will be for the welfare of the children. As experienced family lawyers, Vardags can help demonstrate that your move is in your childrens best interests. We can assist you in developing a workable contact strategy that will not only be reasonable to you, but also to your ex and the court.

Whatever your circumstances, Vardags can guide you through the complex legal issues that can arise when you are seeking to take your children abroad. We can help negotiate with any parent who opposes the proposed relocation. Alternatively we can draw on our depth of experience to help you navigate the court process and successfully obtain permission from the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your ex opposes your plan to move abroad with your children, there are numerous strategies that can be deployed to overcome their opposition.While the court will be unable to stop you from relocating, it’s primary concern will be whether it is in your children’s best interests to do so, and whether there is an appropriate strategy in place for the children to maintain regular contact with the other parent.

If you are named as the person that a child lives with under a child arrangements order you may take your children on holiday abroad for up to 28 days without requiring permission from your ex. However, if there is no order in place or you wish to take your child out of the country for longer, you will require their written consent.

If you move abroad and your ex has or is threatening to cut off financial support you can apply to enforce an existing maintenance decision.The UK has international agreements concerning maintenance with more than 100 countries. These reciprocal arrangements mean that an order can be registered and enforced in every one of these countries.

OUR Children & Family TEAM

Caroline Korah

Partner - Head of Children Caroline Korah Vardags Partner Head of Children
“Caroline Korah is a highly dedicated lawyer who fearlessly represents her clients’ interest” 
Legal 500

Lucy Williams

Partner - Divorce & Family Lucy Williams Vardags Partner Divorce & Family
“Lucy Williams is loved by clients and counsel” 
Legal 500

Is Vardags Right For You?

We offer a free consultation to qualifying individuals. Please call our confidential enquiry line on 020 7404 9390. Lines are staffed 24 hours.

When you contact us a member of our client relations team will take the full details of your situation, assess whether we can assist you, and if so, determine the best team for your case. 

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