Cyprus-Forum.com

[Jaga1892]

Hello,
I have been separated from my Cypriot husband for 8 years. He has never paid any child maintenance. I am half Cypriot and half British. Recently I have applied a job working as a teacher in Episkopi . I have two questions:
How do I out in a claim for child maintenance?

On a separate issue we bought a house together in 2002. Both our names were on the title deeds. Once separation in 2006 my ex husband has rented the house and kept the income. He refuses to disclose any information regarding he property. He does not save the income for our daughter's future university fees or anything.

How can I seek legal advise from a trustworthy solicitor to resolve this issue? I would like to live in the house if I am offered the job, but he has refused. As a Single working parent, I would really appreciate any advice.

Thank you

Jess

[Get Real!]

You go to a lawyer and he should contact the father to come into the office so you can all discuss child support amicably.

If successful the lawyer can then put it in a legally binding written manner, if not then the lawyer can file a request at the family court.

Just make sure your lawyer doesn’t request ridiculous amounts that the father cannot afford or it’ll drag on forever.

NB: Ask the lawyer beforehand what it will cost to chase after child support and how he goes about charging etc, at the first (FREE) appointment/interview.

[Get Real!]

I’m not sure if one of the owners has the right to rent it out without the other’s signature… maybe B25 can answer that.

I’d make it part of the NEGOTIATIONS that you want to live in the house so as to LOWER the husbands child support if you get what I mean…

[CBBB]

Find a big friend with a baseball bat, use lawyers and your child will have finished university before it is sorted out!

[Get Real!]

Find a big friend with a baseball bat, use lawyers and your child will have finished university before it is sorted out!

I don't think you can apply to the family court directly... she can always ask though.

[Get Real!]

Just a word of warning… your lawyer may suggest that you’re also entitled to back payments and he’ll be right, but don’t be tempted to go along with that because eight years worth of back payments is a HUGE amount of money to be liable for overnight and that could send your ex into either (1) leaving the country or (2) filing for bankruptcy, in which case you’ll get zero!

Be very careful with lawyers aiming BIG because that can only lead to a total collapse of whatever is left of the relationship and it won’t be in anyone’s interests.

Aim for a reasonable amount that he CAN handle and never aim to destroy your children’s father regardless of temptations.

[B25]

Just a word of warning… your lawyer may suggest that you’re also entitled to back payments and he’ll be right, but don’t be tempted to go along with that because eight years worth of back payments is a HUGE amount of money to be liable for overnight and that could send your ex into either (1) leaving the country or (2) filing for bankruptcy, in which case you’ll get zero!

Be very careful with lawyers aiming BIG because that can only lead to a total collapse of whatever is left of the relationship and it won’t be in anyone’s interests.

Aim for a reasonable amount that he CAN handle and never aim to destroy your children’s father regardless of temptations.

Regarding the property, no he is not allowed to do this, but it is a civil matter now, especially if the tenants have a contract. The police will not get involved in case you complained there are intruders in your house.

You are at least entitled to half if its income. Getting the tenants out would be a matter for the court. Depends when their contract expires and what arrangements they made with your ex.

As for the ex going bankrupt, well his does have half share of the property so don't worry too much about that. In the least he can give you his share for all the back payments and rent you are due.

You must see a lawyer to deal with this through the family court. Best of luck.

[Jaga1892]

A Cypriot lawyer or a British lawyer? Is there a central government system to use? Or do I randomly just approach a lawyer who has ' English ' expertise plastered over their window? I've let it go on for so long because I feel helpless to take action . I'm scared a lawyer will just take advantage of the situation and drag it out for years when all I want is a swift solution to cut all ties. Can I not just opt for the land office to sell the property as he is acting illegally?

[B25]

A Cypriot lawyer or a British lawyer? Is there a central government system to use? Or do I randomly just approach a lawyer who has ' English ' expertise plastered over their window? I've let it go on for so long because I feel helpless to take action . I'm scared a lawyer will just take advantage of the situation and drag it out for years when all I want is a swift solution to cut all ties. Can I not just opt for the land office to sell the property as he is acting illegally?

There are English speaking lawyers, they would most likely be Cypriot. If you don't go to one and ask your options you cannot do anything else.

And no, you can't just go to the land office for anything. It' is obvious you have no idea how these things work, which is WHY you need to speak to a legal person asap.

Your call.