Passports and Divorce

[SgtLilith]

I am planning to take the kids out of the country to visit some friends this year.  I am just starting the divorce process....should I apply for passports now or wait until divorce is through?  We will all be changing our names at some point as well.  Thoughts?

[lilyka]

Married, separated, divorced - if his name is on the birth certificate his name has to be on the documents to get a passport.  You cannot do this legally without his permission.  Even if he is dead you have to bring in some proof.