A court order severing the father's parental rights might also suffice, but you do need a notarized letter of permission from the absent parent to travel to many countries with a child (unless both parents are present, of course). That's just the law.

Since this is a legal issue, I think you should consult with an attorney. Perhaps there is one document that, once executed properly, could persist and help you facilitate travel.

I would consult an attorney.

I would consult the Canadian Border Services and see what they will accept. As Doug suggested, a legal document showing that you have sole custody of your daughter may suffice.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/general-generaux-eng.html

My guess is as along as the father still has parental rights, you are in a pickle. As the others say - you need to consult an attorney.

If he is truly uninvolved, he may be willing to give up his rights. If not, you may have to get a court order where a judge rules you can travel w/ the children.

You could say quite frankly "He's not in our lives - I have no clue where he is." Just be up front but nice about it. I've taken my child on international trips and when they asked where the father was I told them just that - I don't know. My son now has a passport but it took half a year to get the ex to sign the Auth and give it back to me.

I was going to use a 'written statement' for the passport agency. Maybe you could do that (not passport but the statement)? On their application it says "A written statement signed in front of a Notary explaining the second parent's unavailability" can be used.

Here's the form:

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79955.pdf

Try making the statement.

You probably didn't need that link but I wanted to show you that it does say it on there.

sharie,

How long ago and where did you travel that just verbally stating that the father is not involved in your and your child's lives was good enough?

Nowadays with parents kidnapping their own children over custody disputes etc., I'd be very surprised if that would be acceptable at a border crossing. The border patrol officer shouldn't just take someone's word because of course they'd lie if they were doing something illegal.

We went to the Bahamas and Mexico but the last was 2007. Like I said above though, a notarized written statement might help.