Decided to Return
 

After spending 2 weeks back in Scotland, I've decided I can't help but move back. Timing is great too since my husband and I are separating.

I'm aiming to move in June, or thereabouts, when the kids get out of school. I have loads of things to do (passports, etc.), but I'm hopeful :) I'm scared, excited, and all those other things when you're trying to tie up one world and open up another.

In the old days, we used to use travel agents (who?) to help get plane tickets, but since I'll be moving myself, 2 kids, and a dog, I'm wondering if there's a resource that can help with the planning of ticketing (specifically in regards to the dog) - suggestions?

I also emailed Education Scotland, but haven't heard back yet, has anyone had experience with homeschooling in the UK? We're discussing splitting time with our daughter 50/50 and homeschooling her in both locales.

Re: Decided to Return
 

Whereabouts are you now? You've not actually said in your post!

Good luck with the move.

Re: Decided to Return
 

Sorry, I'm in Maryland US!

Re: Decided to Return
 

You've not mentioned this, but have you looked into the legalities of moving your children to a different country from their father? If he is staying in Maryland, you'll need written confirmation that he gives permission to remove his children from the US (even if the UK is their/your home country)

Re: Decided to Return
 

dunroving: Absolutely! My almost 16 yr old's father is barely involved in his upbringing, but has signed/done paperwork for everything and will continue to do so.
My soon to be ex husband and I are both working to make sure that we do the best for our 9yr old. We're friendly and amicable, wanting to make sure that she gets the best of both worlds.
The corgi has no father :)

Re: Decided to Return
 

It's good to hear that everyone is playing ball, but I encourage you to make sure you have written, legal confirmation from the 9-year-old's father before you leave the US. It sounds like he will be happy to provide this but from many previous posts on the topic, the written confirmation is essential to avoid any unanticipated problems when leaving the country and/or arriving in the UK. Similarly, when/if he leaves the UK with her, he would need written legal confirmation that you give permission for him to leave the UK with her.

It may sound excesssive, but I'm just repeating the same information that appears on here repeatedly when one parent talks about returning to the UK with kids when the other parent is staying behind. There are enough cases of kidnapping by one parent that lead to this concern.

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dunroving: I've been paying close attention to the horror stories people post. We've got a lot of paperwork to go through regarding our divorce and all obligations within that. Part of our settlement agreement/collection of paperwork has to include clear instructions regarding parental approval for any sort of movement (what if I plan a trip to France, for instance). I appreciate your concern on this; it's something I've been keeping an eye on for a while.
Truthfully, just because things are good now it doesn't mean they always will be, so it has to be hammered out.

Re: Decided to Return
 

That's great, glad you are on top of this aspect.

You'd be surprised how many people in similar threads fly off the handle and can't believe they have to provide legally documented permission - when all we are trying to do is help them!

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With two children with different fathers have to be managed, I appreciate all the help I can get. I was researching information on this well before even seriously considering moving.

Not that the move is going to be easy. Nor the divorce. Again, thankfully my husband and I are friendly (right now!). He doesn't want me to move (part of the issue of our separation), but he doesn't want us to be vengeful and mean. If only all things were this way!

Re: Decided to Return
 

And why homeschooling?

Re: Decided to Return
 

Its easy to get the ticket for your dog you don't need an agency. The dog can go in the cargo hold on the same flight as you. Best to pick a direct route with no transfers. Call the airline and they will help you with all the info you need. The worst part is the DEFRA regulations and paperwork you need to do. Very specific timing etc on things. You can check their website for details. There are pet travel companies but they don't really do much for you and charge you a lot more than if you just book the dog into cargo on the same flight as you can the kids.

Re: Decided to Return
 

This website has lots of information on homeschooling in the UK:

http://www.educationotherwise.net/

Re: Decided to Return
 

Hotscot: looking at a way we can share time 50/50 with her!

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Petrichor: thank you! Will review and share with husband.

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Lgabriel73: thank you. I'm just nervous about getting the right airline for Glasgow, etc. :).

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There are very few direct flights to Glasgow, maybe even just one (United, I think, maybe from DC or NJ). It might be more straightforward and offer more options to look into flying to Manchester or Birmingham, stay overnight and then come up on the train. DEFRA has a list of approved routes.

Also, look for a thread by Windsong (I think that's who it was) from about 1-2 years ago. She was planning to bring her dog to Edinburgh so her thread has all the trials and tribulations, and a lot of lessons learned.

Re: Decided to Return
 

I think it is a bit extreme to home school just so the parent in USA can have 50-50 access. It would make her very isolated in her new location - school is absolutely the best place to make friends quickly. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/...tion/index.asp

Surely she could visit the other parent in her holidays which in Scotland are 2 weeks at the end of each of 4 terms except Summer when you get 6 weeks, plus occasional days. For exact holiday details look on website of Council where you intend to live.

https://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/

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dunroving: Thanks - I'll try to track this down!

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luvwelly: She's done homeschooling like classes. She has friends here, and without a doubt, I am sure she will find friends in Scotland. It would be great if she could jump into the Scottish school system (I did well in it, if I do say so myself!), but her father does not believe the Scottish school system is better than the US one. He also does not want to see her for only a few short(ish) periods through the year, and neither do I!

Homeschooling may be the best option for her to see both of us equally and to be educated in a way that we both approve of.

This doesn't mean things won't change! He could come to the dark side (Scottish education is simply the better option), or he could realize that taking care of a little girl 50% of the time is a lot harder than he imagined. Also, we could finish off primary school in one fashion and work secondary a different way.

I'm trying to leave as many doors open with him as possible right now so that he can come to his own conclusions. One sometimes has to let the bull find its own way to the gate :)

Thank you for the links!

Re: Decided to Return
 

Having been through a very painful and costly divorce with someone who said many of the same things at the beginning... I would strongly recommend that you act quickly, sincerely, and get all the t's crossed and the i's dotted before he changes his mind. Especially if he doesn't want you to move. That could quickly become a bone of contention. Good luck to you, but please be careful and take care of yourself and your kids. All the best.

Re: Decided to Return
 

I've managed to track a few threads Windsong started, that were about dogs. I have added links below. Some of them may not be relevant to what you need - I didn't open them to check.

Budgeting for Pets for Trip to UK

Budgeting for Pets for Trip to UK 2

Pet Fees Payable on Arrival in UK

Re: Decided to Return
 

I should have clarified - these threads were specifically about bring dogs to Scotland, which is why I thought they might be helpful.

Re: Decided to Return
 

No, that's exactly what I'll be doing! Thanks dunroving!