Assumption: "The order says the child lives with me. That means I can take them on holiday without asking."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
A child arrangements order that grants a lives-with arrangement gives the primary carer automatic permission to take the child abroad for holidays without the other parent's consent.
Court Reality
Under Section 13(1) of the Children Act 1989, if a child arrangements order is in force, you need written consent from everyone with parental responsibility — or the court's permission — to take the child out of the UK. If you are the person named in the order as the person with whom the child lives, you may take them abroad for less than one month without consent. Longer trips always require permission.
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The Gap?
"The order says the child lives with me. That means I can take them on holiday without asking."
Court Reality
Under Section 13(1) of the Children Act 1989, if a child arrangements order is in force, you need written consent from everyone with parental responsibility — or the court's permission — to take the child out of the UK. If you are the person named in the order as the person with whom the child lives, you may take them abroad for less than one month without consent. Longer trips always require permission.
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