Passports for Children during a Divorce

Posted on January 19, 2015

It is not uncommon to hear that parents oftentimes use the children as weapons in a divorce. One party threatens the other party that they will take the children and disappear—unless you give them what they want in the divorce. Others don’t voice the threat initially, but then disappear without warning. While this is rare, it does happen.

In addition to any remedies you might be able to obtain in Family Law Court, the Department of State provides parents with some protection from situations just like these. Learn more about Form DS-3077, also known as a Request for Entry Into Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program. Essentially this form gives you an alert when one parent has applied for a passport for the child and allows you to object to the issuance of a passport. In support of your objection, the Department of State asks that you send them copies of any court orders pertaining to the child if applicable, and they will keep those on file regarding your objection.

Forgeries on passport applications for children are common, but trying to correct the issuance of a passport for a child after the fact is difficult and in some instances may be too late. Protect yourself and your children. If you are truly concerned about the child and other parent disappearing, complete this form and talk to an experienced family law attorney in Orlando.