Child Relocation Consent Request Letter
Request written consent from the other parent to relocate a child permanently outside England and Wales, complying with Children Act 1989 s.13.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Use this letter when you hold a Child Arrangements Order naming you as the person the child lives with, and you wish to permanently remove the child from England and Wales. Under s.13 Children Act 1989, you need either the written consent of every person with parental responsibility, or a court order (a 'specific issue order'). Send this letter before any mediation or court proceedings.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use for temporary holidays — a short holiday does not require consent unless the child is subject to a court order prohibiting removal. Do not use to inform the other parent after you have already relocated; that may constitute child abduction under the Child Abduction Act 1984. Do not send this letter if there are ongoing safeguarding concerns or domestic abuse proceedings.
Legal Basis
Children Act 1989 s.13(1)(b) — where a Child Arrangements Order is in force, a person may not remove the child from the United Kingdom without the written consent of every person with parental responsibility, or the leave of the court. The child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration under s.1(1) CA 1989 (Payne v Payne [2001] EWCA Civ 166).
Before you send
- Presenting relocation as a fait accompli rather than a genuine proposal — courts and mediators respond better to open dialogue
- Failing to set out detailed contact proposals for the left-behind parent — courts require evidence of a genuine commitment to maintaining the relationship
- Not mentioning mediation — failure to engage with MIAM and mediation before court proceedings may affect costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Presenting relocation as a fait accompli rather than a genuine proposal — courts and mediators respond better to open dialogue
- ✗Failing to set out detailed contact proposals for the left-behind parent — courts require evidence of a genuine commitment to maintaining the relationship
- ✗Not mentioning mediation — failure to engage with MIAM and mediation before court proceedings may affect costs
- ✗Leaving the consent open-ended — specify a clear deadline for response to allow for court proceedings if needed
- ✗Not documenting the proposal in writing — verbal consent is difficult to prove and should always be confirmed in writing
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] [OTHER PARENT'S FULL NAME] [OTHER PARENT'S ADDRESS] --- Dear [OTHER PARENT'S FIRST NAME (FOR SALUTATION)], **Re: [CHILD'S FULL NAME] — Proposed Relocation to [PROPOSED DESTINATION COUNTRY]** I am writing to discuss an important matter concerning [CHILD'S FULL NAME], and to invite your response before I take any further steps. **The Proposal** I am proposing to relocate permanently to [PROPOSED DESTINATION COUNTRY] with [CHILD'S FULL NAME], beginning on or around **[PROPOSED DATE OF MOVE]**. The reason for this move is: [REASONS FOR RELOCATION]. I understand that under section 13(1)(b) of the Children Act 1989, and in light of the Child Arrangements Order made on **[DATE OF EXISTING CHILD ARRANGEMENTS ORDER]**, I require your written consent to permanently remove [CHILD'S FULL NAME] from England and Wales. I am writing to seek that consent and to explain the arrangements I propose. **Arrangements for [CHILD'S FULL NAME]** I have given careful thought to how [CHILD'S FULL NAME]'s relationship with you can be maintained and supported following the move. I propose the following contact arrangements: [PROPOSED CONTACT ARRANGEMENTS FOR OTHER PARENT] I am committed to facilitating and supporting [CHILD'S FULL NAME]'s relationship with you and the wider family. I am open to discussing and adjusting these proposals to find an arrangement that works for everyone. **Education, Healthcare, and Welfare** [DETAILS OF SCHOOLING, HEALTHCARE, AND WELFARE PLANS] **If We Cannot Agree** I genuinely hope we can resolve this together. If you are not willing to give your consent, I would ask that we attend mediation before either of us takes any court proceedings. I am willing to engage with a Family Mediation service and to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) at the earliest opportunity. If mediation is unsuccessful, I may need to apply to the Family Court for a specific issue order under s.8 of the Children Act 1989 to seek permission to relocate. **Your Response** I would be grateful for your written response by **[DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE]**. If I do not hear from you, I will regard this as an indication that you are unwilling to consent and will take appropriate steps. Yours sincerely, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.