My ex and I are both British living in EU. This week I found out the court of appeal in our EU country has granted my ex-husband permission to relocate our children to the UK. As we have been separated for 2 years and I have always been their primary carer, I never anticipated this would happen, especially since his first request to the court was denied and the judge ruled the children are settled in the country and remain with me.
However the court of appeal stated that because we are “expat family” in EU country the strict relocation law shouldn’t apply to our situation and have granted my ex-husband’s request. It means he becomes the primary carer of our children, I am no longer the resident parent and have to visit them every two weeks in the UK.
One child was born in the country and the other was 1yr old when we moved. They have never lived in UK and we have permanent residency from Brexit.
As it was already an appeal by the father I don’t have a further right of appeal myself. I’m truly heartbroken and devastated that my children are going to be taken from me (they have only stayed with their father for 2 nights since we separated).
I have been advised the court have not followed due process/have not applied the law correctly but I have spent everything I have and borrowed everything I can from friends and family to get this far. Unfortunately finances are just as challenging and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight.
I would not wish this on anyone - I am a normal mum, degree educated who gave up her career for her husband and dedicated her life to support her family, when I tried to be brave and leave the marriage which was deeply troubled he has been able to manipulate the court process to go all out for revenge and to punish me for daring to leave. I am in huge financial debt due to legal proceedings and now my children have been taken from me.
I don't know where to go from here, any suggestions welcome 😥