Hello Everyone,

I'm entitled to a single entry Non-O on the basis of having a Thai child, I'm British and currently in the UK.

I intend on returning soon to live and work, eventually.

I want to have my parenthood legitimized through the courts as my son is only 4. My son's mother(we are not married and never will be) has told me she'll do whatever needs to be done to help make it a straight forward process.

Siam-Legal has quoted me B85,000 for their services. I know lawyers are expensive, but even so, this seems a lot of money for a relatively straight forward process.

Is this the going rate?

Can anyone recommend a lawyer?

I know that I need the legitimization papers to obtain a year extension of stay, but do I need the legitimization papers for a 60 day extension?

Finally, on some Non-O visas there is a stamp saying 'WORK PROHIBITED'. If I entered with this stamp, what are my options for changing this visa so I can work legally because, obviously, I can't show proof of funds in a Thai bank with my visa saying work prohibited.

Many thanks for any replies

Buckers99

Moved to the family and children forum.

See this pinned topic for some info: How To Gain Parental Rights As A Father

Correct cost is 15,000 plus the odd 100 THB here and there.

85,000 THB is a plain rip off - find a new lawyer.

The work prohibited stamp is normally only given for retirement criteriae, although the Thai Consular Facility in London are reputed to give it with all classes of Non Immigrant 'O' they issue.

You may still be ok to receive a WP with this stamp, but worst case you will have to do a visa run to get a 90 day Non Immigrant 'B; 90 day stamp.

You can, once you have legalised your parent hood, still subsequently extend your stay based on Thai Family and working (National Police Order 777/2551 Case 2.18) by showing a WP plus birth certificate, legalization papers, plus proof of 40,000 THB pcm income.

The stamp does not mean more than that you cannot wok without a work permit, which will normally be issued on an extension based on being family member of a Thai national.

How much the process costs depends largely on the lawyer you hire. Between 10,000 and 15,000 seems reasonable. But it isn't that much work if the mother agrees and then you don't need a hotshot lawyer for what is basically a simple case.