Need Help with Paperwork

[JML1976]

What is the name of your state? MA

I need some help- I am going to Canada (leaving Monday Aug 2nd) for a week for summer vacation. I have full custody of my child. I assumed we only needed our birth certificates to cross border, I just checked Canadas website last night to look up their requirements. Their website states for separated parents you need the legal documentation stating that you have full custody of child when crossing border. So I began digging last night - and the only paperwork I have is the child support order - which does not state who has custody of child. I was never married to the father so theres no divorce papers or anything like that. Does the courthouse in which we filed have this information??

 

[nextwife]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

(I hate that 10 character minimum!)

 

[stepmominNY]

Hi,I'm originally from Canada. Crossing into Canada is easier than getting back into the States. If you can't get info from the courts and you still have contact with the child's father then all you would need is for him to give you consent on paper and have it signed by a Notary Public along with the birth certificate. This is what I had to do when I had to cross to go for a visit....Good luck!!

 

[stealth2]

They may ask you for documentation, and they may not. I've had both experiences when I've taken my kids over the border.

 

[JML1976]

I do have contact with father - and im sure he'd write me a note - not a problem - but getting it notarized would be - where would i go for that??
I had no idea I would need this type of stuff - and since Im leaving on monday - Im beginning to get a little stressed

what happens to the people who dont have any knowledge of the other parents whereabouts and have never filed for custody? If you never filed for custody then there would be no paperwork - what would they do then?

Suppose I had this baby - he signed the birth certificate and then took off???

I already put a call into the court house in which we filed - I havent heard back yet.

 

[LdiJ]

I do have contact with father - and im sure he'd write me a note - not a problem - but getting it notarized would be - where would i go for that??
I had no idea I would need this type of stuff - and since Im leaving on monday - Im beginning to get a little stressed

what happens to the people who dont have any knowledge of the other parents whereabouts and have never filed for custody? If you never filed for custody then there would be no paperwork - what would they do then?

Suppose I had this baby - he signed the birth certificate and then took off???

I already put a call into the court house in which we filed - I havent heard back yet.

Most banks have notaries on staff and will do it for a small fee.

 

[JML1976]

Would we both have to be present when notarized? Because that would not be a possibility - he doesnt work near me and wouldnt be able to work our work schedules around getting to the bank during banking hours

 

[LdiJ]

Would we both have to be present when notarized? Because that would not be a possibility - he doesnt work near me and wouldnt be able to work our work schedules around getting to the bank during banking hours

No, he is the only one that will be signing it so he is the only one that has to be present.

 

[JML1976]

Well let me elaborate on his overall personality - in plain english - hes the laziest person Ive ever met - He would write me a note - but anything requiring effort (like going to a bank to get something notarized) No way - wont happen...the best i can hope for is a note signed by him....

Would a note signed by him with a phone number be sufficient???

 

[stepmominNY]

No, it definitely has to be notarized. Some banks, doctors, clergy or just look it up in the phone book under Notary Publics. There should be at least one that would be nearby.

 

[JML1976]

I know that he will not go and get something notarized for me - hes not that kind...he'll write a note - thats it - so what am i supposed to do now?

 

[stealth2]

You either take your chances or you forego the trip.