Uk Spouse Visa

[starship]

Hi.

I'm thinking of getting married and applying for a spouse visa for the UK. I've been in a long term relationship with my Thai partner for about 8 years. I previously applied about 5-6 years ago for an unmarried partner visa which was refused on grounds home office did not believe our relationship was 'akin to marriage'. I appealed this myself at the time and won but was later over-ruled by a senior immigration judge. I was not ready to marry at the time and was not willing to be dictated to by some bureaucrat. I have been travelling to and from Thailand during and since this time for various periods. Our relationship has reached a point where we need to live together permanently and i am happy and ready to marry. I have tried but it is not possible for me to work in Thailand and i do not have substantial funds to risk on a business etc.

Reading through other posts and the uk visa requirements i think i can meet the criteria in terms of support ( i have permanent job in uk) and i would plan to sell my condo in Bangkok and rent a home (to start) in uk giving me a cash buffer (as required) for the 24-27 months until PLTR would be granted. The only issues are she has a son by a Thai father (although she has been granted sole carer on previous application by Thai authorities as father has no contact/interest in child) and the son additionally has special needs. Would this cause any problems once in the UK regarding education provision. I would particularly appreciate any experiences from families with a special needs child in the UK. The English Test may also need some work.

I would appreciate any comments or personal experiences from other members who have been in a similar position or have positive advice to give.

Thanks.