Questions in Alaska

[akwaitress]

What is the name of your state?Alaska

I have a son that is 12. His dad and I have not been together since before his birth. I do not know where his father is. I do have contact with his parents. CSED collects some cs from him but he is in arrears.

Here are my questions. In the past we did not need a passport to enter canada or to re-enter the U.S. that is going to change b/c of 911 and the patriot act. I need to get a passport for my son (and myself) but apparently
need either his fathers cooperation? We don't have anything on paper as far as custody, child support and paternity were established because I was on welfare when my son was born. Plus my son is part A.K. Native so I insisted that his father register him with the B.I.A in order for him to be eligible for the medical care available. Does anyone know where I would even start to establish formal custody and is this needed to obtain a passport.

 

[Zephyr]

if you guys weren't married, and never went to court to establish custody/visitation, I would say you probably already have full legal custody.

 

[VeronicaGia]

You're going to need his signature or an order from the court in order to get a passport. File for full legal and physical custody and ask a judge to allow you to get the child a passport.

 

[LdiJ]

You're going to need his signature or an order from the court in order to get a passport. File for full legal and physical custody and ask a judge to allow you to get the child a passport.

Actually, I did some research on this recently and there is one other option. You can include an affidavit with the passport application explaining why it is not possible to get the signature of the other parent (ie, don't know where he is). The department of state may or may not choose to issue the passport based on the affidavit, but its worth a try.

Also, if dad's name doesn't appear on the actual birth certificate, then you don't need the other parent's permission. Did either one of you make the effort to put him on the BC?

 

[IrishLady47]

Actually, I did some research on this recently and there is one other option. You can include an affidavit with the passport application explaining why it is not possible to get the signature of the other parent (ie, don't know where he is). The department of state may or may not choose to issue the passport based on the affidavit, but its worth a try.

Also, if dad's name doesn't appear on the actual birth certificate, then you don't need the other parent's permission. Did either one of you make the effort to put him on the BC?

Almost correct. If you can prove you are the only parent necessary to give permission for the child's passport either by providing a birth certificate w/only your name listed, a court order granting sole custody w/o travel restrictions, or a death certificate of other parent, you can get the passport for the child. Otherwise, you need the DS 3053 signed by other parent or a notarized statement w/same information. An affidavit from you just stating you don't know where other parent is will not fly w/state department, you need documentary evidence. This is not based on research, I am an authorized passport agent.

If his name is on birth certificate, you may want to check w/CSED. When paternity & child support was established by court order, it may confirm you have sole custody as the unmarried mother at his birth. If a court order was issued for CS, somewhere it usually addresses who has custody.

Also, new regulations are being phased in. For travel through Canada & re-entry into US, a passport will not be required until after Dec 31, 2006. First deadline of Dec 31, 2005 is for Carribean area. When does he turn 14?

 

[akwaitress]

sorry been at work

Sorry I've been at work

Almost correct. If you can prove you are the only parent necessary to give permission for the child's passport either by providing a birth certificate w/only your name listed, a court order granting sole custody w/o travel restrictions, or a death certificate of other parent, you can get the passport for the child. Otherwise, you need the DS 3053 signed by other parent or a notarized statement w/same information. An affidavit from you just stating you don't know where other parent is will not fly w/state department, you need documentary evidence. This is not based on research, I am an authorized passport agent.



If his name is on birth certificate, you may want to check w/CSED. When paternity & child support was established by court order, it may confirm you have sole custody as the unmarried mother at his birth. If a court order was issued for CS, somewhere it usually addresses who has custody.



Also, new regulations are being phased in. For travel through Canada & re-entry into US, a passport will not be required until after Dec 31, 2006. First deadline of Dec 31, 2005 is for Carribean area. When does he turn 14?

We were never married but his name is on the birth certificate it was needed to register him as A.K. native w/ the B.I.A.

I'll check with csed first to see if there is custody already established.

He turns 14 dec 2006 I don't have any travel plans but because I live in Alaska I want to get one for everyone just in case we feel like taking a roadtrip someday. My sisters recently moved to other states and I have driven the trip to the states and back in the past I just don't want to have to wait or pay extra to expidite.