Last year i went to court to become the legal father of my 18 month old daughter, the court granted me permission to look after my daughter at weekends and I would have the right for my daughter to live with me when she is 3 years old. The court papers say until then she should stay with her mother because she is too young. Last month I returned to the UK temporarily and as soon as i had left, her mother left the country to Malaysia. Next week i will return to Thailand, what I'd like to know is Can i legally take my daughter away from the Grandmother if my ex is not there taking care of my daughter?

I Mean take away permanently as she will have broken the agreement me, her and the court.

The normal state is that a child stays with his/her parents. When one of the parents doesn't take care of the child, the her parent has the right to take care of the child. You would have the right to take care of your child at least till the mother returns to take custody over the child again.

If the mother is permanently or for a long time not taking care of the child, you can ask the court to become the prime care taker of the child instead of the mother.

But do consult a lawyer about what course to follow.

any reccomendations for a lawyer in Nong Khai/Udon area? My last one wasn't the best

Try www.isaanlawyers.com They have a good reputation regarding family law.

As Mario says, you have legal right to take the child from the grand mother and take care of her until the mother comes back. Then you must return the child to the mother

If your child is nearly 2 years old now, then I question if it is worth it to go to court though. It wil take 6 months to get a change and don't you have a good deal for after 3 years old already? You will get what is good for the child if you go to a Thai Juvenile court. You will not get what is not good for the child regardless of the mother leaves the country or not - question is: Can you get something better than - I would have the right for my daughter to live with me when she is 3 years old

What exactly do you have after child is 3 years old?