Legal Question in Family Law in South Africa

i am an american citizen with a 14 month old son who is also an american citizen, though born in cape town. we were abandoned by my abusive drug addict husband when my son was about 6 months old. i filed for divorce then, but the process is taking forever. the family advocate became involved and i have been told repeatedly by their office and by other lawyers that it will take at least a year to a year and a half before my case is even considered.

my problem is that i have no family, friends or support system in south africa. my husbands family has become extremely hostile to me. i am being supported by small amounts of money my family and friends in the us sent to me via moneygram. my son and i are very close to being in a shelter if we stay in south africa. i do not have a work permit, and after speaking to home affairs i believe am not even eligible to renew my residency permit (which expires in may).

my husband is gone, there is a warrant of arrest out for him due to non-payment of maintainence for children from his previous marriage. i have been able to apply successfully for a us passport for my son by proving my inability to contact my husband.

i need to get back to the us to make sure my son is in a safe home and we have a good future.

will i be stopped at the airport because the divorce is in process? if so, what can i do about it?


Asked on 4/01/12, 12:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sam Jackson

Welcome and thank you for your question. I would be happy to assist with your question, but unfortunately I cannot do so for the amount offered. Kindly reconsider your offer.

Yours faithfully,

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Answered on 4/05/12, 12:32 pm


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