Ex husband to be has passports...

Hi,

New to this site and glad to have found it.

Can anyone suggest anything.

Ex took passports of children when we split up 8 months ago.

We did not ask for them when we initially went in to court, as we were told that they were being held by HIS solicitor.

Recently, I won RESIDENCY, and we asked for passports back, only to be asked by his solicitor why I wanted them... um I am the residential parent!!! We have had no reply since.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

SHOULD I REPORT IT TO THE POLICE - IS IT A POLICE MATTER????

What does anyone think????

I would in the first instance contact the passport office
there is a helpline number on this page:

www.passport.gov.uk/passport_child_eligible.asp

See what they say - but im sure you are entitled to have the passports and incidentally you are entitled to take the kids on holiday out of the UK for up to 1 month without permission from other parent although i do believe you are supposed to inform them of your plans.

Thanks for reply.

I have contacted Passport Office - they have said contact the police.

Have contacted Police and they have said they have no powers to do anything.

Gone back to Passport office who have said that I can not re-apply as I know where the Passports are.

So what do I do?

His solicitors fail to convince him to return them.
Police wont help.
Nor passport office...

So I have to result to going back to court. Can I do this directly with the court, without going through my solicitor AGAIN????

Please help, feel i am chasing my tail.

Its crazy that the passport office wont help.

I wonder what would happen if you just applied to them for a new one saying they were "lost" - it might work.

As regards the court - this would probably fall under a specific issue order and as its quite straight forward you could indeed do it yourself - but i think the court fees for this type of order are around 170 pounds approx

Problem is, is that when you write with a query, you have to put in your name and post code - so have I shot myself in the foot?

Just dont know what to do. I can not afford to take this to court just because he is playing silly games.

If police wont help and court is not an option for you then again i would apply at passport office.

Couldnt u just say that they are lost.

U dont actually know where they are - they could be in bin or burned by now.

You are parent with care and your passports were lost.
You need new ones.

They dont know ex's address so they wont contact him.
You just get new form with new photos and references (i seem to remember u need to get photos signed) etc

Its worth a try.

Could I suggest you try a charity called Reunite, their number is 0116 2556 234 or 0116 2555 345.

Good luck

Mike