Ex refusing to return DC passport

[TimeToStopLurking]

Long story. Family court. All very sad. Ex took toddler DC3 abroad and just returned, minus his passport. Trip allowed by judge, I opposed it, mainly for length of time and DC being so young and never lived with ex. He returned DC a day late, but now refuses to return their passport. Deep down I knew he'd do this. It's about control.

He cuts contact with me and refuses to send updates when he's got DC. My family are all in Europe and I have never travelled without his permission. He filed a prohibited steps order against me previously which the judge dismissed.

Is there anything I can do? AIBU for wanting passport back?

I believe you can report the passports as lost or stolen and apply for new ones.

Sorry this has happened. How long did he take dc away for? must've been tough for you.
Can you report the passport lost and apply for a new one please?

Didn't think about reporting as lost. What a horrible situation. Pointless admin and cost. Urgh.

What. An. Arse. Thanks for letting me rant. And for advice.

It's been five long nights without DC. We'd only recently built up to two overnights. So a big jump.

Wiser minds will be here soon but I believe you can apply for an order saying that he child's primary residence is with you

It feels very off that you opposed a holiday that is 3 nights longer than the longest time he’s had your child. Must say something about you being unreasonable if the judge allowed it. Just cancel their passport if you want to but it will result in another court hearing surely ?

Recall from reading on here that if you report a passport as lost when it isn’t you can get in a lot of trouble. In this case, it’s definitely not lost. I think the passport authorities look extremely poorly on being dragged into what they see as domestic disputes. I really hope can find the right way forward, but I’m fairly sure that isn’t it.

Thank you. Google seems to indicate that the passport should stay with resident parent and mediation should be sought in the first instance if not returned. Not entirely helpful.

I'd certainly prefer not to

I did start my preamble with Long story. Family Court. All rather sad. There's a lot more to it. DC wellbeing is my number one priority