A recent post on this blog highlighted the potential impact unpaid child support may have on a non-custodial parent’s ability to receive a passport. However, family law matters can also affect a child’s ability to obtain a passport. In Boston, Massachusetts, and the rest of the U.S., parents who are involved in a custody dispute should familiarize themselves with the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) if their child is expected to leave the country for any reason.

If the parents of a minor child are going through a custody dispute, the government may deny the child a passport, according to the Department of State. If the child has not reached the age of 16 years old, each of the child’s parents must fill out information on his or her passport application. When it comes to minor children and passports, many issues can arise. For example, some parents are worried that the other parent will attempt to abduct their child in a foreign country. On the other hand, others are concerned about their child’s ability to obtain a passport in order to cross the border for summer camp or a vacation.

Parents who are concerned about abduction while going through a divorce or after they have been through a custody dispute can also ask to enroll their children in the CPIAP, even if their children already have passports. Regardless of the nature of a parent’s concerns, finding answers to any questions and protecting the best interests of their child is paramount.