Permission for ex husband for child

[dant244]

Hi all,

I also posted this in the marriage section. 

I am happy to say that we have finally gotten our visa interview date for Moscow - July 21.  I would like to know from those who brought children on the visa if they were asked during the interview for a permission paper from the ex.  The packet my finace recieved from the moscow embassy says nothing about this but the embassy website says she MAY be asked for such a permission.  She does not have full custody but the ex has had nothing to do witht he child for 5 of his 6 years of life.  She is convinced that he will not sign any paper just out of spite.  I know we should try to get this paper but I am wondering how often they actually ask for it.  Also, could they ask for it when she arrives in the states.  Thanks for any help.

[Turboguy]

I am not an expert on this but the impression from all I have read is that it is required.  Maybe someone with more experience can give you the scoop.

[Jet]

From the US embassy Moscow website http://www.usembassy.ru/consular/consular.php?record_id=fiancee
List of Documents for Fiancé (e) Visa Interview

Attention! If the immigrating parent does not have a document showing he/she has full legal custody of the child, the child immigrating with the parent may be required to submit the other parent’s notarized statement that he/she gives full permission for the child to leave Russia for the purpose of immigration to the United States meaning the stay is permanent and not temporary.

All original documents must be accompained by photocopies and English translations. If the original documents are in Russian, there is no need to have the translations notarized.

[Jet]

This is something new since we went through the process in 2002. However, while most reports have stated that there have not been any requests for this document when transiting through SVO in Moscow, MANY smaller regional airports WILL ask for this document. It is Russian law, not US law. From personal experience, we were also asked for this document before being allowed to board our connecting flight in Frankfurt, Germany (we had it), and several other EU countries have similar regulations in an attempt to thwart child kidnaping cases.

My wife's ex-husband was a prick with a capitol "P" and it took us a year and substantial unpleasantry to get the permission. He was found dead in his apartment a few months back, at the age of 39, so further troubles are over for us, but consider a few years into the future when you may want to get the child a US passport - it will be required then (permission of both parents), so either try to get it or contact a family law attorney and get sole custody.

If you are at a loss for attorney contacts, check out Ekatherine E. Kalaschnikova here. She is located in Moscow and has a forum on her site where you might get more info.

[Wayne]

The Russian laws concerning taking a child under 18 years old out of Russia conflict upon themselves.  The US Embassy in Moscow last year or before was not requiring any permission letter from the father.  However, now, they have added this requirement.  If the father finds out that the mother is planning to take the child out of Russia, he can cause much trouble. 

When Oksana asked the father for the permission letter--he demanded $3000.  So she hired an attorney and went to court to get a court order.  This process took two months.  I had to provide copies of my income tax records, letter from employer, notarized statement saying that I would marry Oksana and take care of her child, information and photographs of my home, and many other items.  The father's mother tried to keep the child in Russia, saying she would raise her.  The grandmother even wrote emails to me trying to persuade me.  Here are some of the laws:

[Wayne]

some more russian laws:

[Wayne]

additional laws:

[Wayne]

more laws