I want to find out what the laws are if I have a son with a Thai wife and we separate - divorce. Do we both share custody of the child or one takes all? Anybody who has some information about this would be helpful.

Thank you

I would advise you visit a lawyer for detailed information.

From experience there are 2 options.

1. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree to custody and property matters. This agreement on custody can be drawn up in advance and submitted at the Umphur when obtaining a divorce.

or

2. A long drawn out contested divorce process involving many court appearances. If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties the court will arbitrate on the child custody and other matters.

In court arbitration on child custody the judges will call the parties before the bench and attempt to reach an agreeable settlement on custody, visiting rights and child support matters.

If an amicable agreement cannot be reached, the court will deliver their verdict on these matters.

I recommend you attempt to seek an agreement on these matters between yourself and your wife rather than involving the court system.

Once again I stress this is basic information and I recommend you talk to a lawyer specializing in these matters.