My question my be a little weird, but here it is:

My husband and I, and our children are going on vacation and would like to visit Canada. However, after reviewing the custom's website, it suggests that you bring copies of legal documentation for custody. Here's my problem, my son's biological father is on the birth certificate, but there has never been a custody order issued. He doesn't see him, or have anything to do with him. The site suggested getting written permission from the other parent, complete with address, phone, etc. But, I have no idea where he is, or how to get ahold of him. Nobody has seen him in about 8 years. Who can I contact to get documentation to prove that there have never been custodial rights established, or what kind of documentation can I obtain to prove this?

Would a child support order work to show that I have custody? I recently, after 11 years, petitioned the court for child support, and I do have the order for that.

My question my be a little weird, but here it is:

My husband and I, and our children are going on vacation and would like to visit Canada. However, after reviewing the custom's website, it suggests that you bring copies of legal documentation for custody. Here's my problem, my son's biological father is on the birth certificate, but there has never been a custody order issued. He doesn't see him, or have anything to do with him. The site suggested getting written permission from the other parent, complete with address, phone, etc. But, I have no idea where he is, or how to get ahold of him. Nobody has seen him in about 8 years. Who can I contact to get documentation to prove that there have never been custodial rights established, or what kind of documentation can I obtain to prove this?


I don't think you can get documentation proving there is no documentation. You would have to contact every State. Take at least 2 proofs of his ID and if you get questioned explain the situation.

The "written permission" is a suggestion, it is not a rule and other people have posted this same problem. Use birth certificate and school records to prove their address/residency.

First you really do need to get a custody order. You need to file for for custody and if your new partner wants to adopt that would be possible.


But a child support order is so important, he could come out of the blue and just take the child and there is nothing you can do once he has the child since he has full rights also.