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 s.13(1) Children Act 1989, if a CAO is in force, you need written consent from everyone with PR or the court's permission to take the child out of the UK. Section 13(2) gives an exception: if you're named as the person the child lives with, you may take them abroad for less than one month. However, most modern CAOs include a 'no removal' clause that overrides this exception — always check your order's specific terms before booking. Longer trips always require consent or court 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
13(1) Children Act 1989, if a CAO is in force, you need written consent from everyone with PR or the court's permission to take the child out of the UK.
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