OT - letter of parental consent

[suzanne_m]

Hi There!

This question is a bit off topic, but I am Canadian and my husband is a Canadian permanent resident, and also a Mexican citizen. He is taking our almost 2 year old son to Mexico at the end of the month to visit his family. Sadly I cannot go, I will be 8 months pregnant, and also not able to take any more time off of work.

I will be sending along a letter of parental consent, does anyone know if it absolutely has to be notarized or witnessed? I will be using the sample consent letter here: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/consent-letter_lettre-consentement-eng.asp

Many thanks!!
Suzanne

 

[CharlieD10]

"We advise you to have the consent letter certified, stamped or sealed by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration (i.e., a commissioner for oaths, notary public, lawyer, etc.) so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned. It is up to each official/individual who witnesses such a letter to decide what proof he/she needs to see to be able to witness/sign the letter. An official should only witness/sign a letter of consent if he/she is convinced that the individual requesting the letter is who he/she claims to be and that adequate proof has been provided. "

They advise you to do so on the site, and I would go with that advice. Something that gives custody of your child, which is not signed by an official, has very little legal significance, it is not much better than the person saying they have verbal consent because there is no official, uninterested third party attesting its validity. Anyone can write a letter and sign it. One that is properly witnessed and attested can stand up in court, if need be.

 

[RobsLuv]

I would definitely suggest that you have it notarized - otherwise, how do they know you actually signed it? If you want hubby and son to have an easy crossing into Mexico, take that simple step and get the travel authorization notarized.

 

[canadianwoman]

Hi There!

This question is a bit off topic, but I am Canadian and my husband is a Canadian permanent resident, and also a Mexican citizen. He is taking our almost 2 year old son to Mexico at the end of the month to visit his family. Sadly I cannot go, I will be 8 months pregnant, and also not able to take any more time off of work.

I will be sending along a letter of parental consent, does anyone know if it absolutely has to be notarized or witnessed? I will be using the sample consent letter here: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/consent-letter_lettre-consentement-eng.asp

I asked my sister, a paralegal here in Saskatoon. She said it does not need to be notarized, and that she has travelled overseas with her daughter and was never asked for it. However, she does advise that you should get it notarized, just in case you are asked for it.

 

[wilson]

I would definitely suggest that you have it notarized - otherwise, how do they know you actually signed it? If you want hubby and son to have an easy crossing into Mexico, take that simple step and get the travel authorization notarized.

I too agree with RobsLuv. Notarizing the travel authorization may be little expensive but always at a safe side.

"Jack, a gardener used to rest under the coconut tree always during his lunch break and peacefully he could get a nap. Noting this his friend Mike also followed him one day and took a nap but unfortunately a ripe coconut fell straight on his head"!!

 

[locolynn]

Yes, notarising is always better BUT here is what I do and I have never had a problem - though please note I am the mom and am Canadian.


Fill out the form and have it signed by a witness.

Include contact information for you and your witness. (Address, telephone number)

Include a photocopy of your passport (you could also have a witness sign it).

I assume you will take your husband to the airport. Go to the check in with him. Your presence is clearly an authorisation.

On his way back he'll have the little package and they can call you if they are concerned. Though Mexico won't be overly concerned with a Canadian returning to Canada.

Lynn

 

[suzanne_m]

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. As hard as it is to let my son go for a week, and I know that it will be so difficult for my husband to look after a squirmy 23 month old on a 5 hour flight, I would hate for him to have problems at customs.