It's not unusual for a parent to have a different surname to their children- but many are unaware of the problems it can cause at the airport.

Now a lawyer is warning mums and dads to take steps to ensure their holidays aren't ruined by 'unknowingly ending up embroiled in a child abduction case, being refused past check-in, or being turned away at border control'.

Shockingly, being stopped, grilled - and even turned away at border control - is an ordeal an estimated 600,000 parents have had to deal with.

But you can guarantee a hassle free getaway - if you take the rigth documentation.

One of those was mum Hannah Marshall, who was stopped with her daughter Lilly at London Stansted Airport when they returned from a holiday in Denmark.

Parenths who have children with different surnames can face difficulties when travelling abroad

At the time Hannah, aged 28, wasn't married to Lilly's dad Scott, so while Lilly had the surname Marshall, Hannah's was still Thomas.

Hannah told the M.E.N: "While queuing I went to one desk with my daughter and my partner and his mum went to another desk for passport control.




Hannah and Scott Marshall with daughter Lilly


David Connor heads up the family department at Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors, and says parents need to plan ahead to avoid being caught out.




David Connor




