Hello everyone,
I'd like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read this, I'm going through a really tough time right now because of this situation and have been struggling to find answers.
I am an Australian citizen and my (at the time) fiancé is American. She fell pregnant in Australia and returned to the US to have him because her insurance wouldn't cover it otherwise. Our relationship started to deteriorate around the time my son was born in the US. I was present at the birth and shortly after until I had to return to Australia. She decided to call things off and now I'm left absolutely distraught about the future of my relationship with my son.
I don't want to be the type of dad who comes to visit once a year for his birthday. I plan on being in his life as much as I possibly can. I want to live for this boy and provide him with everything I can.
Now not being a US citizen or resident, what are my options in terms of enforcing a parenting/paternal order? and what are some likely outcomes?
I'll be honest, she is very stubborn and somewhat extreme at times so I don't think we could reach a mutual agreement.
Also, I don't know if this would be a contributing factor but her father is well off, could he do something like hire an expensive lawyer in order to limit my visitation rights?
There is nothing that she could say that would make me look like a bad father or human being. I do not have a criminal record. I am still financially supporting her, which I do not have a problem with. I still love her and obviously don't want her to be stressed about money while she is raising our son. Some consultation calls with lawyers who specialise in international family law are around $550/hr which I cannot afford now and that's why I am on here trying to get as much information as I can.
To add a few extra details, I am listed on his birth certificate (also shares my last name). He would also be eligible to become an Australian citizenship after he is 1 years old, if that would help.
I really appreciate those who respond. This is very complicated because we were never married and I feel like I can't find exactly what I'm looking for by searching online.
Thank you again,
W.C.A.
I'd like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read this, I'm going through a really tough time right now because of this situation and have been struggling to find answers.
I am an Australian citizen and my (at the time) fiancé is American. She fell pregnant in Australia and returned to the US to have him because her insurance wouldn't cover it otherwise. Our relationship started to deteriorate around the time my son was born in the US. I was present at the birth and shortly after until I had to return to Australia. She decided to call things off and now I'm left absolutely distraught about the future of my relationship with my son.
I don't want to be the type of dad who comes to visit once a year for his birthday. I plan on being in his life as much as I possibly can. I want to live for this boy and provide him with everything I can.
Now not being a US citizen or resident, what are my options in terms of enforcing a parenting/paternal order? and what are some likely outcomes?
I'll be honest, she is very stubborn and somewhat extreme at times so I don't think we could reach a mutual agreement.
Also, I don't know if this would be a contributing factor but her father is well off, could he do something like hire an expensive lawyer in order to limit my visitation rights?
There is nothing that she could say that would make me look like a bad father or human being. I do not have a criminal record. I am still financially supporting her, which I do not have a problem with. I still love her and obviously don't want her to be stressed about money while she is raising our son. Some consultation calls with lawyers who specialise in international family law are around $550/hr which I cannot afford now and that's why I am on here trying to get as much information as I can.
To add a few extra details, I am listed on his birth certificate (also shares my last name). He would also be eligible to become an Australian citizenship after he is 1 years old, if that would help.
I really appreciate those who respond. This is very complicated because we were never married and I feel like I can't find exactly what I'm looking for by searching online.
Thank you again,
W.C.A.