my sons passport and his NC father

[spidermansmama]

I'm thinking about taking my 6 year old ds on holiday to france this summer and have to apply for a passport for him.
His father has never been part of his life but took us to court last year for dna tests which can back confirming he is my ds' father. Because of this his name then had to go on ds' birth certificate, now I'm not sure if I need his permission to apply for a passport for ds.
Would appreciate any advice anyone has as I can't find anything online to help.
Should mention we are in northern ireland so could apply for uk or irish passport. Thanks in advance

Am in uk and didn't have to get ex's permission for dc's passport. Just put my name on application. All came back ok.

The father will have Parental Responsibility because he is listed on the birth certificate (after a certain date, depending on which part of the UK the child was born in.)

Because you have Parental Responsibility you may apply for a passport for your son and you don't need consent from the others with PR. HOwever unless there is a Residency Order in your favour you do need consent from the father (because he has PR) or permission from the court to take your son abroad on holiday.

Thanks for replies, will have to look into this more because I've no idea how to even begin to get in touch with him.

YOu would need to write to his last known address, former employees/solicitors, friends or his family and place adverts in newspapers to a see if anyone knows his current address. If not, copies of the letters can be used as evidence that you have taken all reasonable measures to contact your ex and the court can grant permission.

Oh my, seems like a lot of hassle but I think I'll just contact my solicitors and see what they can do, thanks again

Thanks all, I'm going to have to speak to solicitor to see what my rights are its all so confusing.