As far as I know, if the court grants him access to his child, then she can only take the child out of the country with his consent if he asks the court to put this in the agreement. I believe she can however move within the country. It would be best if he went to see a solicitor or initially his local Citizens Advice Bureau. He can apply to the courts to have the child live with him. However, unless he can prove that the child's mother is an unfit mother, I don't think the courts will grant him custody. Things have become far better for fathers in recent years , married and unmarried, so if he feels strongly about this, he should seek advice immediately. He should however make sure that what he is intending to do is in the best interest of the child - as it is the child who will suffer if this is not handled correctly. In the end, it is the child that must remain the main concern for both parents and it is in that spirit that the courts will decide. I hope it all works out and you two can come to an amicable agreement.