Mom wants to get passports for kids

[MoonMother]

Obviously I'm divorced. The 'father' and I have joint Legal custody. Now, my sister is getting married in Europe this November, and of course, we're invited… We have asked the 'father' to give authorization for the kids to get their passports, as it is the law, and he says no. He has given absolutely no justifiable reason for this to me or the girls (12 and 10)… I live in Virginia, and he is in Redford, Michigan.

I was hoping someone could tell me whether there was something I could do, besides something illegal, that would allow for my kids to get their passports. I mean, this isn't for a regular "vacation" after all.

[aaron]

Which state's courts have jurisdiction?

[rmet4nzkx]

If you don't already have passports You may as well figure on going without the children as you would have to petition the court for permission to get passports, in some cases post a bond and it is doubtful that you would get a court date in time to allow for processing of the passports. The US passport office is taking 6-8 weeks to renew passports and taking every minute of it. If you need it sooner, then you must pay approximately twice the cost to expedite.
There are special requirments for children under 14.
travel.state.gov/passport/get_minors.html

[MoonMother]

Which state's courts have jurisdiction?

I was divorced in Wayne County, Michigan, so the case is 'there,' but my girls and I have been lliving in Virginia ever since (1995). I did already submit everything for the passports, all we need is the stupid authorization; so they've already started processing .....

Thanks for any and all ideas/tips/comments