Child arrangements and holidays what separated parents need to know

As the summer holidays approach, separated and divorced parents—especially those living abroad—start to face the challenge of holiday plans, contact schedules and travel permissions.

Whether you are based in the UK or an expatriate living in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Abu Dhabi now is the time to make sure your arrangements are clear and legally secure.

At Aramas International Lawyers, we support families across borders with practical legal advice. We understand how stressful last-minute arrangements can be, particularly where international travel is involved. Our team is here to make sure you can plan ahead with confidence and avoid any legal complications.

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Can I take my child abroad on holiday if I’m separated or divorced?

If you share parental responsibility with your ex-partner, then yes—you will need their permission before taking your child out of the country.

This rule applies even if you’re the primary caregiver or your child lives with you. Taking a child abroad without consent can be classed as child abduction under UK law—even if you simply want a peaceful holiday.

This is particularly important for our expat clients, where one parent lives abroad and the other may be based in the UK or another country. In these cases, clear written consent is vital.

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What if my ex doesn’t give permission for the holiday?

If your ex-partner refuses to agree, we can help you apply for a Specific Issue Order through the family courts. This legal order allows you to take your child abroad even without the other parent’s consent.

If you’re worried your ex might try to take your child abroad without your knowledge or agreement, we can also support you in applying for a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent this.

Both orders take time to process—especially during the summer period when court applications are high—so it’s important to act now rather than later.

Learn more about our child arrangement services

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What if I already have a Child Arrangement Order?

If a Child Arrangement Order says your child lives with you, you may take them abroad for up to 28 days without needing the other parent’s permission—unless the order states otherwise.

However, it is always best to communicate your travel plans in advance. Share your destination, travel dates and emergency contact numbers. This helps avoid misunderstandings and reduces the risk of future court disputes.

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Helpful tips for separated parents this summer

• Plan early – Give yourself time to resolve any disagreements.
• Confirm everything in writing – Verbal agreements can lead to confusion.
• Be transparent – Share your travel plans with the other parent.
• Keep your child at the centre – Their welfare always comes first.
• Get legal advice early – Don’t wait until it’s too late.

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Why expats trust Aramas International Lawyers

I’m Samara Iqbal, founder of Aramas International Lawyers. As a British lawyer and Islamic law expert, I work with clients across the UK, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Singapore—especially those dealing with international divorce and parenting disputes.

Whether you need help arranging travel, securing court orders or resolving disputes under Sharia law, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We specialise in:

• Child Arrangement Orders
• Specific Issue Orders
• Prohibited Steps Orders
• International divorce
• Expat family law

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If you’re unsure about your rights or need help before booking your trip, get in touch today. At Aramas International Lawyers, family law is all we do, and our mission is to make legal advice clear, supportive and accessible—no matter where you are in the world.

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