Philippine Child Custody Cases?

[Klepley 4]

Long story short. Fiance was four days from getting certificate of finality when her ex changed his mine and now wants custody of the kids who he has never supported in his life time. Now they are going to court. Any idea how long these custody cases take on average? Any suggestions? All help appreciated.

[Ontarkie 13,914]

~~Moved to the Philippines forum from K1 Process and Procedures - As this is very country specific.~~

[clairegie 265]

If he refuses to cooperate, it could be long and brutal. How old is the kid? Were they married? Hmm. If he never provided financial support, is it because he can't afford it? Wonder how he's gonna do in court if he cant afford a lawyer.

Edited May 18, 2015 by iammrsregie

[Tahoma 2,291]

He doesn't want to go to court. He doesn't want the kids. He smells money. 'Kano money.

Find out his bottom-line price and pay it. It will simplify your life.

[Klepley 4]

Two kids, 10 and 4. The boy lives with my fiance, the girl with his family. They split when the boy was 5 and he has never paid for anything for his son while they were married nor when living apart. He has never moved out of his famlies house. His sister is married to an American and they recevie money from them when needed. I thought the same thing about money but that does not seem to be the case as that was my first thought as well. Being so close and having taken so long, I can see this will take even longer. So again, in holding pattern, and we all know nothing happens fast in that country.

[Tahoma 2,291]

The girl lives with him? You changed your story.

However, my advice is still the same.

[Klepley 4]

Yeah, she was with him but the annullment gave her custody of both children.

[Tahoma 2,291]

The ex has two choices:

1. He can spend his money going to court and risk coming away with nothing except legal bills.

2. He can take the money and come away with something.

It's time for you to play hardball.

[ly2377 1]

What's the annotation of the judge? If he doesn't have money, he is just threatening you by words. Wait, see, and be calm! It takes time and money to make an appeal. Lawyer (if private, he should put out atleast 1kUSD) if PAO, there is a process, requirements in attaining their service like ITR, income should be below Php13k, etc. And not to mention the running around and emotional torture dealing with the Philippine beaurocracy. If he is just saying he will fight/appeal... let him! Because without Motion (from certified lawyers who will represent him) nothing will happen!

Good luck!

[Tahoma 2,291]

What's the annotation of the judge? If he doesn't have money, he is just threatening you by words. Wait, see, and be calm! It takes time and money to make an appeal. Lawyer (if private, he should put out atleast 1kUSD) if PAO, there is a process, requirements in attaining their service like ITR, income should be below Php13k, etc. And not to mention the running around and emotional torture dealing with the Philippine beaurocracy. If he is just saying he will fight/appeal... let him! Because without Motion (from certified lawyers who will represent him) nothing will happen!

^^^ I think it's just a threat.

However, Klepley may not want to prolong his already-long visa journey.

[Klepley 4]

Thanks everyone. She goes to court for this on Friday so will see what happens. I really think he planned it this way to make her have to wait even longer. I feel more bad for her than me as she was afraid to tell me as we started this process in 2012, but you are correct, this is a time consuming and life draining process on both parties. At this time, I guess I have to grin and bear it until I see what this Friday's outcome happens to be.

[Tahoma 2,291]

It's not to late to make a deal with the ex.

[malenliam 18]

have you visited her in the philippines since 2012? did you meet her family? just asking...