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Legal matters

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Flip

Original poster

Friend with abusive husband abroad

8 replies

pinkegg11 · 22/10/2023 20:40

Please could someone advise how to support a friend (British national) resident in the USA, whose husband (US national) is psychologically and emotionally abusing her. They have two small children. The move from the UK was meant to be temporary but he is now making noises about wanting to stay. Is there anything she can do to avoid the likely scenario of him forcing the children (and therefore her) to stay in the US in the event that the marriage breaks down ? Very worried about her.

OP posts:

SkyFullofStars1975 · 22/10/2023 20:54

She really needs to talk to an attorney about this, and quickly. She won't even be able to bring the kids back here for holidays unless he gives his permission, and I have a feeling that they're very hot on parental abduction in the US.

She could end up living there until her youngest is 18 or 21, depending on the state they're living in. DId she not realise this when she agreed to move out there?

Original poster

pinkegg11 · 22/10/2023 20:58

That’s what I suspected. They are not at breaking point yet but I think it’s very possible. Things have got worse since they’ve been there so I don’t think she anticipated it being so bad then they first moved.

OP posts:

SkyFullofStars1975 · 22/10/2023 21:54

Poor woman, I can't imagine being stuck so far away from home and not able to return.

HicIocusEst · 22/10/2023 21:58

Yes, the US is very hot on what's seen as parental abduction and notarised permission letters are needed even for short holidays.

Your friend needs a lawyer. Good luck to her.

drspouse · 22/10/2023 22:16

Is the husband a US citizen and were the children born there?

Original poster

pinkegg11 · 22/10/2023 22:32

The husband is a US citizen. The children were born in the UK. Does anyone know if there are legal concessions for victims of domestic violence - and how she would begin to build a case?

OP posts:

Collaborate · 22/10/2023 22:51

It depends on what you mean when you said they went there temporarily. Can you explain more?

Original poster

pinkegg11 · 22/10/2023 23:09

The plan was to move for 3-4 years so he could spend time with his extended family. She left her job in the UK but is still employed, on a 5 yr sabbatical (can’t say more). So would need to return by 2026 to keep her job. I imagine there would be written evidence of this intent in emails to her employer.

OP posts:

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