Q: How can I obtain a passport for my child that was legally agreed upon during mediation?
My child's father and I went to family court to have an agreement put in place a year ago regarding international travel and obtaining a passport for her. He agreed that for two weeks out of the year I am able to take her abroad with me and that he will not refuse the right to a passport for her. I have done the work to ensure that he knows she is safe, and suggested to him for our child's safety that I register her with the US embassy with the STEP program. He went to get the notarized letter to allow the permission to obtain the passport, but now is refusing to give it to me.
I've read of a court case similar to my situation ( Lyle vs. Lyle ), and how important it is for children of divorce to have vacation time with each parent, and I know that the amount of time I am asking for is not unreasonable. As stated, he already agreed to it in mediation.
What are the necessary steps that I need to take in order to rectify this issue?
A:
Presuming you left mediation with a written consent custody agreement stating that father will cooperate in obtaining the passport, you have to file for enforcement of the order to force him to comply. The court also has the authority to impose sanctions on father for his non-compliance if it deems appropriate.
Please feel free to visit my website for more information on enforcement of custody orders in PA.
https://www.pafamilylawyers.com/Child-Custody/Custody-Relocation-Modification-Enforcement.shtml
Lisa Marie Vari, Esquire
www.pafamilylawyers.com
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