Tag: Custody

Passports, Custody, and International Travel: Helpful Tools for Parents

At the Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley, we understand that custody disputes can cause sleepness nights and endless worry -especially when international travel is involved. If you are concerned about your child’s passport, the possibility of an abduction to another country, or your child’s other parent traveling abroad with your child without your consent, you certainly not alone.

At the Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley, we offer free consultations and experienced legal support for families facing these challenges.

Passports Matter in Custody Disputes

It’s important to agree on which parent holds the child’s passport or to establish secure storage if trust is an issue. This helps prevent unauthorized international travel, especially if no Custody Order is in place.

Here are some useful links to help you find a solution and reduce the worry.

The Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP)

The U.S. Department of State offers a valuable tool for parents: the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP). Enrolling in CPIAP allows you to receive alerts if a U.S. passport application is submitted for your child, or if a passport is issued. This program is especially important for parents who:

  • Are involved in custody disputes;
  • Fear that the other parent might attempt to take their child abroad without permission ;
  • Want to be proactive in preventing potential abduction.

You can enroll here:  CPIAP webpage.

You’ll need to send your request to the Office of Children’s Issues. Both parents can access information about their child’s passport unless a court has ended one parent’s rights. Until your child is 18 years of age, you will continue to receive updates.

Can I Revoke My Child’s Passport?

Once a passport is issued, it cannot be canceled simply because one parent changes his or her mind or withdraws consent. If you believe your consent was fraudulently obtained, contact the State Department at PreventAbduction1@state.gov or call 1-888-407-4747 for guidance. We also recommend that you consult counsel immediately – there are ways you can seek the assistance of the Court in securing the passport, preventing unauthorized travel, and protecting your children.

Dual Nationality and Foreign Passports

It’s important to know that your child may be eligible for citizenship—and a passport—from another country, especially if one parent is a foreign national. Enrolling in CPIAP will not prevent your child from obtaining or traveling with a foreign passport. If you have concerns about a foreign passport, contact the embassy or consulate of that country for more information or assistance – and call your lawyer without delay. These matters can be addressed with the Court to find a workable solution for both parents – in the best interests of your children. 

Empowered Advocacy for Your Family

Navigating custody and international travel concerns can be stressful. Our team at the Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley is here to provide compassionate, devoted, and empowered advocacy—helping you protect your children and your rights every step of the way.

If you have questions about custody, passports, or preventing international abduction, contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you find find a solution for your family.

What’s This Every Other Weekend Thing Even All About? A Song About Separated Parents from the Perspective of the Child. – By Tyler E. Kaestner, Esq.

By Tyler E. Kaestner, Esq.

Country music singer Luke Combs’ new song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” delivers a rare perspective. Written from the point of view of a child, the song describes the emotions and desires of coming to terms with his parent’s separation, and that his Dad is no longer living with him and his Mom.

The song begins by the Child recalling how he caught a foul ball at a baseball game, had it autographed by a player, and cherished it. He then shifts to talking about having to play ball with himself, and calling his dad to tell him he misses him, before asking if his Dad will take him out to the ballgame. The Chorus and second verse leave all pretenses behind – asking “what’s this every other weekend thing even all about?” – representing a common partial custody schedule that this Child is seemingly experiencing with his dad.

The Child in the song goes on to say that his Mom says she still loves his Dad, and in some way always will, and blames himself for his parents not being together: “I’m so sorry I was bad, I promise I’ll be better.” At the end of the second verse, the Child negotiates with his Dad: “cause I just wanna see you, and if you’ll come back, you don’t have to… take me out to the ballgame.”

The Child in this song clearly does not understand the adult complications in his parent’s relationship, he does not understand why his dad can not just pick him up from the house at any time, and ultimately, he just wants to be a kid and go see a baseball game.

Certainly, there are plenty of valid reasons and circumstances as to why the Child can not see his Dad regularly, and why the Child should not know about adult topics. However, what his song reveals is the innocence, confusion, and insecurity of a Child dealing with his world turning upside down. Sometimes, that perspective is lost in the middle of custody litigation.

While a lawyer’s duty is to advocate for his client, first and foremost, courts must consider the best interests of the child in determining a custody schedule. A family lawyer can help connect these interests, to ensure that the parent he represents, and the child, have a strong, loving relationship – which may be best served by allowing the other parent to come by for an extra visit if it helps the child transition to a new normal.

This is such an impactful song that I think every parent going through a custody dispute should listen to. It might just make your Child’s whole week if they could go to that ballgame with their other parent.