Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Passport for Minors

I have 2 children by a man who has been intermittently involved in their lives. We were never married. I left him due to domestic violence and drug use shortly after our second child turned 1 year old. The children are teenagers now (under 16), but their father has not had any consistent involvement in their lives. He is listed on both birth certificates, but I do not receive any support from him. Neither him or I have petitioned the court to establish paternity. I have always assumed that I am the custodial parent. I was looking into an overseas vacation for next year at a resort which permits children. I was told that I would need to obtain a passport for my children. To my understanding, their father and I have to sign. I have had no contact with their father in almost 2 years and don't know how to reach him. How can I obtain a passport if he is not available to sign and give his permission. My other alternative is a cruise, which I believe would not require a passport. However I find this very limiting when trying to afford my children exposure to enriching cultural experiences. Is there a way that I can establish sole custody? If that were so then I would be the only parent needing to sign for the passport. Thanks.


Asked on 8/13/08, 7:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Steele Steele Law Firm

Re: Passport for Minors

YEs, you can get sole custody in such situations. The best way is to sever all rights of the father, who sounds like he wants that anyway. I have handled many cases similar to that, and the key is to show the judge what the father is like.

Read more
Answered on 8/13/08, 11:37 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Illinois