Thankyou very much for your reply i was afraid i'd need her permission i dont think she would contest as she has basically cut herself off from our childrens lives and only seems to remember she is a mother when her latest boyfriend has ended things. I feel sorry for my children i want to give them the best possible start and moving abroad will help me get a good qualification to be able to return to that states where maybe she may be ready to be a mum again and i can provide better for my family. I think i will have to seek legal advice on this if i am able to find a lawyer who can assist me on a very small finacial frame :(