It is not unusual for parents who are involved in custody disputes to ask an attorney or other third party to hold a child’s passport in  escrow to prevent one parent from leaving the country with the child.  But what precautions could be taken on behalf of a child without a passport? 

One option is to enroll the child in the Child Passport Issuance Alert Program (“CPIAP”). The program, which is run by the U.S. Department of State, is available for U.S. Citizen children under the age of 18 and provides that if a passport application is filed on behalf of an enrolled child, the Department will contact and alert that child’s parent or parents.  Further, the Department advises that

The passport lookout system gives all U.S. passport agencies as well as U.S. embassies and consulates abroad an alert on a child’s name if a parent or guardian registers an objection to passport issuance for his or her child. This procedure provides parents advance warning of possible plans for international travel with the child.

To learn more about this program or to access an Entry Request Form, please see the Department web page.

__________

Leslie Spoltore is an attorney with the law firm Fox Rothschild LLP.  Leslie practices in Fox Rothschild's Wilmington, Delaware office.  You can reach Leslie at (302) 622-4203, or lspoltore@foxrothschild.com.