Mix-ups at passport control

Parents travelling abroad with children who don’t share the same surname are being urged to take steps to avoid their holidays being ruined.

It’s not unusual for a parent to have a different surname to their offspring - but many are unaware of the problems it can cause at the airport.

A Manchester lawyer is warning mums and dads that they could ‘unknowingly end up embroiled in a child abduction case, be refused past check-in, or turned away at border control’ if they fail to take the right documents with them.

Being stopped, grilled - and even turned away at border control is an ordeal an estimated 600,000 parents have had to deal with.

It can be difficult for a person to prove they are a child’s parent on the spot, unless they are carrying the right documents.

David Connor heads up the family department at Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors, who have offices in Bury and Lancashire and says parents need to plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

He said: “People need to take extra caution when holidaying with children who don’t share their surname as they could unknowingly end up embroiled in a child abduction case, be refused past check-in, or turned away at border control.

“It’s vital you have the correct documentation to hand or it could derail your trip.

“For separated families, you’ll need evidence of approval from your child’s other parent, but remember to seek approval from everyone with parental responsibility – this may include grandparents too.”

He added: “You’ll also need a copy of any Child Arrangement Order which proves you have court approval to take the child abroad.

“It’s vital that all evidence marries up and this is where divorced parents are often caught out, particularly women who revert back to their maiden name. A change of name deed will help here, which can be supplied by a solicitor. Take a copy of your child’s birth certificate with you too to prove who you are.”