Can a parent obtain a 16 year old child's passport without consent from the noncustodial parent?

by Frank
(Texas)

Ex has obtained a passport and taken 16 year old child out of the the U.S. without my consent. The ex stated that it was legal for the 16 year old to do that without my consent. Also that they have sole custody and I have no say.

The ex and current spouse have done this without my prior knowledge and had contacted me after they had moved out of the U.S.

Is it right for someone who has a new spouse who is in the military to be able to do this without my knowledge? I had adopted this child and have no information about what is going on except for when I receive an email stating they had moved out of the country already.

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Frank,

Minors ages 16 and 17 are required to establish parental consent in order to obtain a passport. However, this consent must be submitted by the parent(s) who has(have) legal custody of the child. A parent who does not have legal custody (whether sole or shared) has no say in the process.

In other words, a parent CAN obtain a 16 year old child's passport without the consent of the noncustodial parent.

Best regards,

William