Thanks for the info.
It might be that girlfriend will need a written authority from the father - depending on the final outcome of the annulment and whether or not she is legally granted sole responsibility of the kids....if she does need an agreement from him, I think it is very questionable as to whether or not he'll agree as I am in the picture.

I know that he appears to change his mind and attitude about his previous behaviour and relationship with girlfriend ....and it appears to happen when something he doesn't favour is occuring. He does know about me and I'm sure he's not stupid (or at least he has some common sense anyway..)

girlfriend is very worried that if she discloses the relationship she has with me (especially that she and I are living together) to the children - particularly the eldest, the father will react adversley and could cause a fuss, potentially upsetting the legal process.

I am wondering if you had a similar situation with the bio father of your step son? I appreciate that is a personal matter and I understand if you prefer not to comment.

The money transfer does exist - it's done through third party, I'll speak to girlfriend about getting some copy papers from them, it will show in the bank statements too but I really want to cross the t's and dot the i's for this matter.

thanks again...do you guys from this site arrange a meet every so often?