Co-parent trying to charge “service fee” for signing passport form… what would you do?
I’m honestly just venting and also looking for advice from other single parents who’ve dealt with co-parenting logistics like this.
I’m in the process of applying for a passport for my daughter and need her dad to sign Form DS-3053 (consent form). He agreed to sign, but only under the condition that I pay:
- the notary fee (around $10), AND
- a “service fee” for him sending/signing the document
For context, he is already very inconsistent with showing up in her life and financial support.
What’s throwing me off is less the $10 notary fee and more the idea of being charged a “service fee” just for completing a basic parental responsibility.
At this point I’m trying to decide:
- Do I just pay it to avoid the back-and-forth and move forward with her passport?
- Or is this something you’d push back on as a boundary issue?
Has anyone dealt with something similar where the other parent starts attaching conditions or fees to basic paperwork? How did you handle it without escalating things?
Just trying to do what’s best for my daughter without getting stuck in ongoing conflict.
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Im so sorry you’re going through this. It’s definitely ridiculous he’s “charging” you this when he’s her parent. For context, I’m not a single mom so I havent dealt with this, BUT I am a notary. Obv, I charge for my time to sign the document. Can I ask you, is he going out of his way to sign the document? If that’s the case, I guess I can see why he’s saying he wants you to pay this to him. But even still, it’s messed up. I’d ask him why he’s charging you it. If he give you a valid reason like he’s taking his time to go meet you to sign it, I’d just pay it. No more than the notary fee of $10 tho. If he ever needs you to do the same, make sure you charge him a fee also! Good luck, mama!
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