How do I get passports for my children?

[jakalula]

Hi
I am divorced from my children's father. My girls are 10 and 6. He last had their passports in 2003 when we split and refused to return them. He has been spiteful and lied throughout the whole divorce procedings. I do not have any contact with him other than texts, letters and previously via solicitors.He sees the children via his mother's home, collecting them to and from school alternate weekends. He claimed in court re finances that he needed more money as he had to fund a home near where he worked (London)and near school(derbyshire). He claimed that his parents were moving to Spain!!(HA ha). I want to take the children on holiday but the passport agency have said as I know where the passports are I cannot claim they are lost or stolen. I don't have the numbers either. I want to avoid the cost of solicitors (again). I've heard that his mother is planning to apply for passports for my children, though they live with me. What can I do?

[browneyedgir]

Not really the answer you were looking for but I am pretty sure the only way out of all this is to take legal steps to cancel previous passports or obtain a court order for your ex to return the passports to you. You might be liable for legal aid?

[Carby]

Best thing to do in this situation is to hire a hitman and have your ex 'bumped off'. These don't come too cheap but in the long run can save you money. Worked a treat for me ;)

[Goodsoulette]

I would go with stolen... of course someone can steal something from you and you know where it is.
Get the police involved or more solicitors. No court is going to not let you have them back.

[jakalula]

Thanks for your responses,the thing is he cannot steal the passports as he has parental responsibility. It looks like I'm off to spend a fortune with the solicitors again.
Cheers
Jakalula