Hi I'm new to forum.
I'm looking for advice.
My daughter who lives with mother ,my ex wife, in South Africa . My ex took her to live there when she was 15 months old, she is now 7. The plan was for me to follow. First time I went out to visit , was obvious that ex had no intentions of staying with me. I have visited every year before COVID. Due to travel restrictions was not able to visit again till last year. I have had regularly access by video chat since she moved there. The plan was as she got older for me to have her , here in UK for 2 weeks , longer periods as she gets older. Now that I have been asking to bring her over. There are different excuses why I can't . So before I bring up subject again I am looking to see where I stand legally. Hopefully I won't have to go down the court route. I still have my parental rights and have always given agreed maintenance each month. I was hoping that I can get some advice on this subject.
Thank you
Paul W.
Hi,
Legally I think it would be difficult situation, as UK court may have little or no powers as child is living in s. Africa. Would suggest you speak to solicitor that deals with international cases.
Is it possible for you to have more video calls with child? You could suggest if you offer to pay for their travel costs, would they visit UK?
Thank you Bill337.
The video calling is getting less and less. That was original agreement me paying for travel costs , but mother keeps giving excuses of why this is not possible. At soon as i can get cost together iwill see a solicitor
Thank you
@paulw theres quite a few solicitors that do a free initial consultation. Try them
Hi Paulw,
I'm sorry to hear that you are finding it difficult to make arrangements for your daughter to visit you. I hope you are able to get further clear advice, as per Bill337's suggestion. I would simply encourage you in the meantime to persist in seeking regular opportunities to have video calls together with your daughter. It is your right as her Dad to be involved in her life and to support her as best you can, even if it is from a distance for now, and it is clear from your earlier posts how important she is to you. Don't give up on this, you are doing the best you can in the circumstances. It may be that you have to be a little patient about getting to a point where your daughter can visit or you can visit her, but she will certainly benefit from regular ongoing communication with you as her Dad.
Hoping you continue to make some progress,
best wishes
Fegan's Parent Support Volunteer