Divorce – Thai Lady / American Husband

[p_brownstone]

A Thai lady friend was married (Bangkok, Amphur wedding) some 8 years ago to an American man, not long after the marriage he left Thailand and returned to America and has never returned. (Leaving her with a small child for whom he has never provided any financial support whatsoever – although none is needed nor has it ever been requested. However that is just by the way.)

The Thai lady now wishes to formally divorce, the husband is in agreement.

I am aware that the easy way to divorce is to have the 2 partners meet at the Amphur; the procedure is quick – less than 1 hour I understand – however there would obviously be considerable expense in having the man fly to Thailand to attend this short process; plus the lady would much prefer not to meet him again, to avoid any painful emotions.

Is it absolutely necessary for the husband to return to Thailand to attend the Divorce proceedings at the Amphur or is there some way to have this done in his absence - if he provides certain signed and notarised documents for example?

If the only way this can be accomplished (in the absence of the husband) is by going to Court, can anyone say how long this process takes?

Patrick

[Bpraim1]

I had a Thai lady friend divorce her husband in Thai court, took awhile but she did it. I will call her to ask how it all went down.

[Mosha]

OK I'm British and for me it was the other way round, and she didn't want to divorce. However I was in the UK used a solicitor/lawyer. (In the UK we use solicistors.) Cost me an arm and a leg for the legal side mainly because the ex made it so hard. However your friend could try this way. If the husband as you say is in agreement, she should ask him for a formal letter stating his permission etc. Your friend gets the letter translated, and pops round to her local Amphur. Failing that he get's the divorce, and sends her the divorce documents after the deed is done. She may have to get them translated and a visit to the Amphur.

[monty]

I know that if the husband has disappeared for a certain time, the divorce can be effected without him being present.

However I assume that this can only be effected by a judge and have no idea on cost/time frame.

If divorcing the normal way assume he will have to go a Thai embassy to get his consent and paperwork stamped.

[bangon04]

I know that if the husband has disappeared for a certain time, the divorce can be effected without him being present.

However I assume that this can only be effected by a judge and have no idea on cost/time frame.

If divorcing the normal way assume he will have to go a Thai embassy to get his consent and paperwork stamped.

(Far too) many Thai ladies get a divorce from an absent husband - first they need affidavits regarding desertion as grounds for divorce - put these before a judge , then have the legal judgement registered at the Amphur, with a certificate showing the mother as sole guardian of the child. Overall cost 10K baht and 3-6 months . This is for Thai / Thai - probably easier to get sole custody when divorcing a mere farang.

[caf]

A Thai lady friend was married (Bangkok, Amphur wedding) some 8 years ago to an American man, not long after the marriage he left Thailand and returned to America and has never returned. (Leaving her with a small child for whom he has never provided any financial support whatsoever – although none is needed nor has it ever been requested. However that is just by the way.)

The Thai lady now wishes to formally divorce, the husband is in agreement.

I am aware that the easy way to divorce is to have the 2 partners meet at the Amphur; the procedure is quick – less than 1 hour I understand – however there would obviously be considerable expense in having the man fly to Thailand to attend this short process; plus the lady would much prefer not to meet him again, to avoid any painful emotions.

Is it absolutely necessary for the husband to return to Thailand to attend the Divorce proceedings at the Amphur or is there some way to have this done in his absence - if he provides certain signed and notarised documents for example?

If the only way this can be accomplished (in the absence of the husband) is by going to Court, can anyone say how long this process takes?

Patrick

she can divorce for desertion after one year i think. check with some law books. asset split i believe is still 50 50 on assets after marriage. though land and house may be regarded as gifted to her

without all the facts difficult to say