A Guide To Divorce In Thailand - What You Need To Know
- Written by NewsServices.com
Life is always unpredictable, and relationships don’t always last a lifetime. As the curtain falls on marriage, it becomes imperative for both parties to embrace open and meaningful conversations, endeavoring to forge a harmonious path toward a balanced and just settlement that carefully considers the well-being and unique aspirations of everyone involved. Many ex-pats have relocated to Thailand, married a local woman, and started a new life. For many, it is happy-ever-after, while others end up in a divorce court.
If you are facing a marriage breakdown and divorce seems to be the best way forward, here is some important information.
- Source An English-Speaking Divorce Lawyer - You can easily find through an online search the most reputable English-speaking divorce lawyer Thailand, with many years of hands-on experience representing their expat clients. Like most nations, Thailand has fair laws regarding divorce and the importance of seeking out legal advice cannot be overstated. It is wise to approach a lawyer as soon as you are certain the marital issues cannot be resolved; the legal expert would advise you regarding evidence, which you need to gather up.
- Diplomacy - When communicating with your ex-partner, try to keep things civil; of course, this is not always possible and when emotions run high, you are advised to communicate through your lawyer. The law in Thailand states that foreigners are not able to own land and if the expat can prove that they paid at least 50% of the property, a judge would likely order that the real estate be sold and the money equally divided between both parties. Cross-cultural relationships can be difficult and if your ex-partner is being emotional, try not to respond with emotion.
- Responding To Your Ex-Partner - If your wife is the one who is initiating the divorce proceedings, you will be served with papers, and at that point, you should say nothing and immediately seek out the assistance of a law firm Koh Samui or any part of Thailand relies on for this type of case. In the delicate pursuit of divorce, it is prudent to consult with a legal expert before broaching the subject with your spouse, ensuring thoughtful and strategic guidance along the path ahead.
- Gathering Important Evidence - Follow your lawyer’s advice and gather up what you can to substantiate your claims. This might include medical reports, receipts, images, videos, or even witness statements. The lawyer might ask about your finances and whether or not you can prove that you paid for specific assets. International bank transfers are always recorded and the more evidence you can accumulate, the stronger your case.
- Negotiations - Once both parties have legal representation, the legal experts usually sit down and talk. Each has their own brief and would strive to come to provisional agreements, then report back to their client. In an ideal scenario, harmony and contentment would effortlessly unfold as you engage in a sincere conversation with your wife, aligning on all aspects of the arrangement. However, the unpredictable nature of life often deviates from this idyllic script, requiring a measured approach to navigate the complexities and uncertainties that may arise. When both parties do come to an agreement, the documents can be prepared for the court to officially end the marriage.
- Unresolved Conflict - Let's say that there are kids involved and neither party can agree on child support and custody arrangements. Prior to actually going to the family court, both lawyers would make one last effort to resolve the issues; if that doesn’t happen, the family court judges hear both sides of the story and they make a ruling based on that.
With an unwavering dedication to your well-being, your lawyer diligently works in your favor, striving to secure a favorable resolution that often circumvents the need for a contentious divorce court battle, leading to a satisfactory outcome that exceeds expectations. If the case does reach the family court, then your legal counsel presents your side of things, while your ex-wife's lawyer presents their client’s side of the case.
