What Is a Family Court Order for the Schengen Visa Application?

There may be instances in a family’s life that require legal intervention, such as determining under what conditions a child will spend time with each parent. 

If parents or legal guardians are unable to come to an agreement regarding their child’s upbringing, then the next step may be to apply for a Family Court Order (or Child Arrangements Order). 

A family court order is a type of ruling made by a judge that establishes the arrangements related to a child’s upbringing. 

For example, it can decide the arrangements for whom a child is to live with or spend time with. It can also deal with particular issues such as:

Most of the time, a family court order for a child’s upbringing is issued to the biological parents of the child when they separate or divorce. However, in some situations, it can also be issued to other relatives (e.g., grandparents) if they believe that their access to the child is being unfairly limited. 

If a child is required by court order to travel to the Schengen Area in order to spend time with a parent or legal guardian, then it must be included in their Schengen Visa application.  

Please note that it is important to carry with you an additional copy of the Family Court Order in case any questions are raised at the airport. 

When a minor is travelling alone or accompanied by only one parent or legal guardian, the immigration officers at the airport may ask for additional documents if they have concerns about the child’s legitimacy to travel.      

Make sure you also check with carriers to ascertain the supporting documents that they require for a minor in order to travel to the Schengen Area.

The Importance of a Family Court Order for the Schengen Visa Application

The family court order for a child’s upbringing is an extremely important document that needs to be included in the Schengen Visa application because it brings evidence that the child is required by law to travel to the Schengen Area. 

A court order signed by a judge shows that the child’s travel to the Schengen Area is a legal obligation that must be fulfilled. 

Additionally, it helps the Visa officers understand the specific circumstances of a child’s travel and make an informed decision regarding their application.

Including a family court order issued by a judge in the Schengen Visa application provides the Visa officers with the necessary information to appropriately process the Visa application.  

Please note that you must also include additional supporting documents in your application, such as the child’s birth certificate, divorce certificate (if applicable), proof of financial support, etc.  

How to Get a Family Court Order for Your Schengen Visa Application

A family court order is not a document you can specifically get to apply for a Schengen Visa. Instead, it can force a child to travel to the Schengen Area based on the court’s decision.

This is because a family court order is binding and enforceable, meaning that must be complied with at all times. 

If someone is going against a family court order, they are in contempt of court. 

The process of obtaining a court order for a child’s upbringing can vary by country because each country has its own legal system for family law. 

As a general rule, parents or legal guardians must seek the advice of a family law attorney or legal professional in order to get the right guidance on the specific steps and requirements for obtaining a family court order.   

A family law attorney or legal professional can also assist in preparing and submitting the required documents.