Divorce Cost Thai Vs Farang

[Sharpie100]

Does anybody have an example or an approximate cost of Divorce in Thailand . My girlfriends solicitor wants 50000 baht to start the process of getting documentation for her to divorce her farang(scottish husband) and then more later for court fees. Is this a correct amount ????? or can it be done cheaper, if so does anybody know where. We are in Pattaya area. Thanks

[Farma]

Sharpie100 a lot depends on the circumstances.

As previously mentioned a divorce where both parties agree to meet up and sign the papers at the Umphur can be very cheap.

Once a court is involved the legal costs skyrocket. I know of legal bills 500,000 Baht and more. Each court hearing adds to the bill.

For example if the husband is missing or not responding this may only require a few court hearings before the case is finalized.

Or in a disputed case where either party resists, the legal fees quickly add up. The case could take years with maybe a dozen or more court hearings. Appeals are not unheard of as well.

You only mentioned the fees the lawyer is asking for document preparation. Ask if that includes translations as well as these add up very quickly and can exceed the legal fees. Ask also what his fees are for attending court, and/or travel/accommodation if your girl files at an Umphur away from where she is currently living. His initial fee is just that, Initial, and all the extras will be added on as the case progresses.

Depending on the circumstances it may be better value for money to agree a fixed fee with the lawyer to cover all expenses from start to finish of the case. i.e. documents, translations, court appearances, travel and accommodation fees.

Edited May 7, 2008 by Farma

[Sharpie100]

Gents,

thankyou so much for this information, a great help in understanding what she has to do, she has tried tellling me, but even her english isnt that good, and she got really upset the other day trying to explain why it can cost so much. I am now in the process of emailing the solicitor to get things in perspective and to know financially where we are going. there wont be any problems from the Ex, thats for sure. He doesn't care about my girl anymore and is happy for her to do this, but he wont return to thailand to do the divorce. so hopefully its a matter of documentation and a bit of money and a court appearance, we shall see and i will inform this forum later...again , thankyou for everything....this site is superb for information and its people like yourselves who give information rather than say the usual, " oh we can see where this is going to end up, ditch her now mate" cheers.