Can a Single Mother Take a Child Abroad from Pakistan Without the Father’s Consent?

Many single mothers in Pakistan often face similar questions regarding travel with a minor child, including: - Can a single mother travel internationally with her child without the father’s permission? - Is the mother permitted to travel with the child without a guardianship certificate? - What can a mother do if the father denies permission to take the child abroad? - Can the father legally prevent the mother from taking the child out of Pakistan? - Does a single mother need court approval to travel internationally with her child? This article will explore the legal requirements and processes for a mother planning to travel abroad with her minor child. Following separation or divorce, a mother may take her child abroad, but she generally needs to secure a Guardianship Certificate through the Court. Typically, after a separation, the mother may have custody through mutual agreement or court decision. However, custody alone doesn’t transfer full legal responsibility, making it challenging to obtain a passport or visa for the child without additional legal steps. In Pakistan, the father is usually considered the legal guardian of the minor by default. This means a child cannot travel internationally or receive a passport without either parental approval or an official transfer of guardianship. If separation or divorce occurs, a mother must apply for legal guardianship to gain authority over her child’s travel and legal documents.