Extra information requested - help!

[Taddy]

I've just received an email from ADVO requesting extra information.

They've asked for a copy of my daughter's birth certificate showing both parent names (doe it have to be a certified copy, or just a scanned copy?). This I can provide.

My husband is not her birth father but they've asked for proof I have full custody of her. Her birth father broke contact when she was two - she's now sixteen - and I have had no contact with him for nearly 14 years. We weren't married when my daughter was born and she was born at a time when fathers weren't automatically given Joint Parental Responsibility as they are now. Does anyone know what I can do? I didn't realise this would be an issue for a sixteen year old.

 

[KelseyTVS]

A scan or photocopy of the birth certificate will be fine. As for the custody issue, I'm not sure. Maybe send a letter explaining? Some other members might have better advice.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

My husband is not her birth father but they've asked for proof I have full custody of her. Her birth father broke contact when she was two - she's now sixteen - and I have had no contact with him for nearly 14 years. We weren't married when my daughter was born and she was born at a time when fathers weren't automatically given Joint Parental Responsibility as they are now. Does anyone know what I can do? I didn't realise this would be an issue for a sixteen year old.

In order for your child to immigrate to Canada, you must have either permission from the father or full custody from the courts.

 

[Taddy]

Oh no, I have no idea where he is now.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Oh no, I have no idea where he is now.

If you don't know where the father is, then you are going to have to go through the courts.

 

[Taddy]

:'( I'm in Canada, he's in the UK (I assume) and we're processed in Abu Dhabi. What a mess this is turning into.

Thanks for your replies, anyway.

 

[SamHom]

:'( I'm in Canada, he's in the UK (I assume) and we're processed in Abu Dhabi. What a mess this is turning into.

Thanks for your replies, anyway.

Wouldn't you have full custody thought if the father has never been around?

 

[SenoritaBella]

Try not to panic (I know, easier said than done). Find a lawyer in Canada who is familiar with UK family law or seek a lawyer based in the UK and ask questions. Since he has not been been involved for 14 years, I imagine it shouldn`t be a huge deal to obtain a court order granting you full custody. The reason for this request is that Canada has to make sure they are not party to or enable parental abduction of a child.

:'( I'm in Canada, he's in the UK (I assume) and we're processed in Abu Dhabi. What a mess this is turning into.

Thanks for your replies, anyway.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Wouldn't you have full custody thought if the father has never been around?

Default custody because one parent isn't around is not legal custody. Canada is a signatory of the Hague Convention to prevent international child abduction. Without legal permission from either the father or the courts (in the form of court-ordered full custody), Canada cannot allow a child to immigrate because it can make them a party to kidnapping.

 

[Taddy]

I understand that. I guess I'll need to look into getting a residency order from the UK courts.

 

[Taddy]

As an update:

I emailed ADVO with the documents they requested. I explained that I couldn't provide proof of sole custody or father's permission because we weren't married and because of when my daughter was born, he didn't automatically get joint parental responsibility and nor did he ever ask for it. I mentioned that we've no no contact and no money for 14 years. This morning I received an email saying our application was nearing completion and to send out passports in

 

[needhimback]

As an update:

I emailed ADVO with the documents they requested. I explained that I couldn't provide proof of sole custody or father's permission because we weren't married and because of when my daughter was born, he didn't automatically get joint parental responsibility and nor did he ever ask for it. I mentioned that we've no no contact and no money for 14 years. This morning I received an email saying our application was nearing completion and to send out passports in

EXCELLENT!!!!

 

[canadianwoman]

Thanks for updating us. This is useful information for other applicants with similar problems.

 

[SenoritaBella]

Awesome! Congrats! And thanks for sharing the update.

As an update:

I emailed ADVO with the documents they requested. I explained that I couldn't provide proof of sole custody or father's permission because we weren't married and because of when my daughter was born, he didn't automatically get joint parental responsibility and nor did he ever ask for it. I mentioned that we've no no contact and no money for 14 years. This morning I received an email saying our application was nearing completion and to send out passports in