Your Ex and Holiday Issues: Letter Templates

[Father’s address]

[Mother’s address]

[Date]

Dear [Mother’s name],

Re: Taking [child name] abroad

I understand that you [are planning/have made arrangements] to take [child name] on holiday [outside of England and Wales/the jurisdiction/] from [date] to [date].

[Option 1 - residence order in place]:
As you are aware, there is a joint residence order in force and you can therefore take [child name] abroad for a maximum of one month. Any longer than this and you must obtain my express consent and permission.

[Option 2 - no residence order in place]:
As there is no residence order in force regarding [child name]’s residence, you must inform me of all foreign trips and holidays you are planning on taking [child name] on, and you must obtain my prior consent. I would prefer notice of at least 1 month where possible, so that we can re-arrange my contact with [child name] in advance, thereby causing minimum disruption to both [his/her] and your routines.

I [do/do not consent] to you taking [child name] abroad on this occasion.

[If you do not consent]:

My reasons for my refusal to give you permission to take [child name] out of the country are as follows:

1. [State reasons, e.g.: if you had something special planned / specific function; or you were going to take child away at that same time etc
2. [State reasons]
3. [State reasons]

Might I suggest that you take [child name] on holiday between [date] and [date]. This would be far more convenient and I would consent to you going away with [child name] during this alternative period.

[If you do consent]:

I would be grateful if you could provide me with your contact details whilst you are away so that I can contact [child name] if and when necessary. Please also provide me with the [name, address and contact number of the holiday resort/details as to where you will be staying] in case of emergencies.

[If you consent and your contact with your child is affected, suggest alternative sessions so you do not miss out].

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Yours sincerely,

[Father’s name]

[Father’s signature]

[Father’s address]

[Mother’s address]

[Date]

Dear [Mother’s name],

Re: Taking [child name] abroad

I am writing to inform you that I am planning on taking [child name] on holiday [outside of England and Wales/the jurisdiction/to…] from [date] to [date].

[Option 1 - if there is a residence order in force]:
As you are aware, there is a joint residence order in force and I can therefore take [child name] abroad for a maximum of one month. I will of course adhere to these rules and will only be abroad for [x] number of days. As a matter of courtesy, I am writing to inform you of my plans. We both have parental responsibility for [child name] and I want to organise this holiday amicably, so that both of us are content with the arrangements.

[Option 2 if there is no residence order in force]:
I am asking for your express prior consent for [child name] going on this holiday. We both have parental responsibility for [child name] and I want to organise this holiday amicably, so that both of us are content with the arrangements.

I can provide you with contact details for the [resort / camp site / hotel etc.] whilst we are away, so that you can contact [child name] in case of emergencies.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly so that I can finalise the arrangements.

Yours sincerely,

[Father’s name]

[Father’s signature]

[Father’s address]

[Mother’s address]

[Date]

Dear [Mother’s name],

Re: Holiday

I am writing to let you know that when I have contact with [child name] from [date] to [date], I plan to take [him/her] [to … / camping / on holiday etc] for [the weekend / a few days].

I can confirm that we will be staying in England and Wales. [Disclose address should you wish to / in case of emergencies].

In order to make the most of the trip, I was hoping you might agree to me having [child name] for an extra few days, say until [date]. I understand that this is during [the school holidays / at the weekend / on half term etc] and will not interrupt [child name]’s schooling.

I have already told [child name] about the trip and we are both very excited – [he/she] is very much looking forward to going.

I will of course cover any expenses involved in buying specific items for [child name] for the holiday.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Yours sincerely,

[Father’s signature]
[Father’s name]

[Father’s Address]

[Mother’s Address]

[Date]

Dear [Mother’s name],

Re: Communication with [child name] whilst [you are away/I am away]

[When YOU are away]
I am writing to inform you that I will be away in [place]from [date] to [date].I would like to arrange some communication channels for the duration of my time away, so that I can stay in touch with [child name]as normal.

[When your ex is away]
I understand that you will be away in [place]with [child name] from [date] to [date]. I would like to arrange some communication channels for the duration of your time away, so that I can stay in touch with [child name] as normal.

I propose that we agree to stay in touch via [telephone/email/letters/video-messaging/web-cam].

My contact details are as follows: [set out details]

I would be grateful if you could provide me with your contact details as well.

I propose [telephoning/emailing etc] on [date] for [a brief catch up / conversation] with [child name]. If this is inconvenient, please let me know when would be more suitable for me to talk to [child name].

Yours sincerely,

[Father’s signature]

[Father’s name]