Hello will try to keep this short but basically I was abused (physically and mentally) by a narcissist for 2 months and ended up pregnant. Had a restraining order against him and have never seen him since - he's not on birth certificate. Later found out that he's a sex offender and was on the register. Me and an ex reconnected when I was pregnant and have been together ever since and DS is 4 now, obviously my partner is his dad and that's all he's ever known. I also found out that the narcissistic ex has been in trouble with the police and had to re sign the sex offenders register for crimes against children - vile. Basically we want to go ahead with step parent adoption but I was wondering if I could bypass the needing the consent of birth 'father' due to being on the register? The thought of him being asked for permission makes my skin crawl and I know for a fact he would say no. I'm also afraid this would reopen him wanting contact due to trying to gain sympathy from his family/control over me. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it! Thank you