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Hi guys
I'm new to this group, I'm really glad that I came across this site. My question is not an easy one, so here it goes:
I'm a South African citizen, divorced from my EU partner in 2016. We have a Beautiful 10 year old daughter together, they live in England and I'm stuck here in SA. The reason I'm saying stuck, it's exactly that, I was staying in the UK for 5 years but now I can't return.
My ex wife refuses to assist with my visa application, the only way for me to return is if I apply for a court order to see my daughter. I last saw Anastazja when she was 3 years old, I'm not working at the moment and things here are not great either. Apologies...I know all this sounds really sad but all I want to do is see my daughter and be able to provide for her.
I sent out various requests to UK lawyers but they all want money upfront, before they will even attempt to assist me. I'm not really sure what else to do at this point, my family is struggling themselves financially. I need to do this on my own but I'm finding it incredibly difficult. Is there no way around this? My ex partner does not send some any school report cards or does not reply to my emails, when I ask, how our daughter is doing...nothing.
All I know is, she and her fiance, have bought a house together, my daughter has changed schools, I had to email the school to find out. I don't know how the boyfriend is treating her, if he's hitting her or what. I'm so far away and I just feel helpless to be honest.
If anyone can offer, any advice or assistance, I would really appreciate it.
Hi there
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're having, you can ask a solicitor to act on your behalf, but as you have found out, this costs a lot of money... even Dads that are resident here can find it difficult to finance court applications and will often represent themselves in court without a lawyer.
The only thing I can suggest is to contact Reunite, they are experienced in international Old contact/abduction cases and can perhaps give you some advice. Here a link to their website where you'll find details of their telephone number.
www.reunite.org
Sorry I can't be of more help. All the best
Hi there
Thank you so much, it is much appreciated.
Hi,
I feel for you. I have an unusual suggestion. Why don't you try crowd funding. Go to one of the crowdfunding websites, publish your story and say that you need X amount of money to get legal help to enable to see your child.
I for one would have donated a small amount for such a noble cause and I am sure many others would too. You have nothing to lose.
Hi Ami
I think it's worth a try, thank you again.
Hey everyone, I started a fundraising campaign for Reunite with daughter . Please tap to donate- gf.me/u/gc6ny3
Thank you Ami for the idea, guys please share this and your support again will be much appreciated.
Good for you. Good luck.
I suggest trying to find a good solicitor specialising in international cases. Also worth talking to one specialising in immigration, as you will need to find out which angle would be best to approach.
Find out what your options are during the initial consultation, even if you don't use them.
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