Escaped abusive relationship-now what?

[Poz100]

I had a baby girl with my partner last year in New Zealand (I’m British he’s Kiwi). He had always been controlling and verbally abusive but when our girl was born he went completely off the rails with various issues (drugs, alcohol, gambling). Anyway I left to go back home to the UK on the pretence I was going for a few months (as I needed his signature to get her passport abd was worried he might refuse and I was desperate to get out) but the reality is it would be irresponsible of me to go back and put our child in an unsafe & unstable environment. I’m about to have the conversation with him about the situation.. I have no idea what I do now. If he threatens legal action there’s no way he has any leverage (he’s got multiple criminal convictions on file, he’s in debt and went into rehab so his issues are already known by the authorities).
I left my car with him which I would like to take back but luckily I packed anything of value and took it with me. The best thing for our child is to start our life in the uk as I have all my family and support here.
Anyone got any advice?

Speak to a solicitor before you tell him your decision. I would also contact Rights of Women rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/

Speak to women's aid 0808 2000 247.

Do the Freedom Programme www.freedomprogramme.co.uk

I don't know enough about where you stand legally to offer you advice on the international aspect of this and I don't want to give you incorrect advice, but I do agree you have made the right decision that you need to be away from him to give you and your daughter the best possible future. That was a brave decision to make.

Does your daughter have British citizenship?

On the face of it, the circumstances you describe really concern me. Please get legal advice as a matter of urgency. He may have more "leverage" than you're thinking, and I think the car is the least of your worries here.

You need a family law solicitor, but also one with experience in international matters. So Rights of Women may actually be your best starting point as they have advice lines for both.