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Can a Circuit Court Judge force a parent to sign form DS-11 for non medical reasons?

by Raymond
(Warren, Mi 48092)

Question: My son has joint legal custody and the mother has physical custody of our two-year-old grandson. The mother filed through her attorney to have my son sign DS-3035 under his protest. Is it possible that a Judge Name Withheld in Michigan has the authority to force him to sign away his right to keep his son in the USA?

Answer: It is my understanding that a parent who has shared custody of a minor child may request a court order which obliges the other parent to sign the passport consent form. It is also my understanding that a judge may "require" the parent sign the consent form if s/he believes that the trip is in the best interest of the child and that there is no risk of international child abduction.

This should not be taken as legal advice. You should encourage your son to seek legal counsel if he believes that a passport should not be issued to the child.

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Minor passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My child's father signed the birth certificate for my child, but he hasn't been in my child's life for the past 12 years, and I have no idea where he is. Now that I want to get my child's passport, and have been told he needs to sign a consent; what should I do since I have no idea where he lives? We NEVER contacted for 12 years.

Answer: You need to contact the father for his consent since you technically still share legal custody of your child. Social media has made it very easy to find someone anywhere in the world. You can start your search there.

Being forced to sign for a Passport by a judge
by: Anonymous

Question: If my understanding of the law is correct, the Judge can order your son to sign for the passport but I could find nothing that requires him to approve the ex wife to take the child out of the country.

Answer: We recommend that you speak to a lawyer regarding this issue.

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