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Really, I already have the passports for Canada. Do you think I still need the letter?

Yep, You still need it. Don't want issues to arise and have the whole thing messed up because you didn't have a letter form their Mom.

Absolutely need the letter.

That rule was put in place worldwide to protect children from being kidnapped by a parent. I watched a woman in full meltdown at the cruise terminal in Tampa because she didn't have a letter from her XH stating she could take their D out of the country. She kept showing her divorce papers that said she was the custodial parent but because the father had visitation that meant she couldn't take her without his consent. She couldn't reach him to get him to fax a letter to the cruise line. I did see them onboard later and asked her how they managed to board and she said she tracked him down and he went to kinkos and faxed the letter. What a nightmare! I also had a client who I booked to fly to Canada and at the last minute he got a ticket for his son with his mileage to go with him so they could do some fly fishing after his business was done. They let them fly from here but when they landed in Canada the customs authorities wouldn't allow them to enter the country until he could produce proof that his wife (not divorced, just traveling without her) was giving permission for this trip.

Do yourself a favor and avoid these disasters at all costs. Can you imagine the meltdown your poor D9 would have if something like that arose?

Good to know.

I lived right on the border (Canadian Side) for 55 years. I crossed a couple of times a week and took my daughter on dozens of vacations. Generally, the letter was not always necessary. Rarely was I asked although I got a letter even when I WAS married when I took the kids to Mexico. STILL...

I did get a letter for trips outside of North America. AND...

The border is tougher all the time. Although yesterday when I crossed - the customs officer was far more interested in my car than in anything else. Oh - and that I had Golfish crackers - don't ask.

I thought everyone needed a passport or enhanced licence to get into Canada. I have American friends who can't cross at this time. Not just for flying. But as you already have them - it's not an issue.

Barb

ALWAYS get the letter! Your children are at an age that they may ask and you being a Dad crossing the border with young children...get it. The last thing you want is for your vacation plans to be trashed cuz you wanted to save the 40 bucks to get it notarized. Don't just get the letter, get it notarized.

...the letter means crap unless it's notarized.

Ahh, scheduling stuff. XW signed D13 and D9 up for vacation bible school at her mom's church about 20 minutes north of me.

The thing runs at night though beginning Sunday as well as Wednesday.

Well, Sunday I had signed D13 up to volunteer at my church with me. So I told her in an email that D13 is not going Sunday. She can go rest of week, including Wednesday, as long as she takes them up there.

I'm not sure D9 wants to go, but I'm not taking her up there Sunday. I'll find someone to watch her here.

That was the church we got married in, and I don't really want to go up there.

I haven't pulled the "you can't schedule stuff for them without asking on my time" card, but I will if needed.

UGH