I'm looking for help for a friend of mine (woman) in a complicated divorce case in Medellin, Colombia.
BACKGROUND:
She's Cuban, her ex is German; he flew her to Germany to get married. They had a child (girl) and the three of them moved to Colombia, where he got a high-paying job as an expat (German salary). She has few professional skills and was a full-time housewife/mother.
Shortly after arriving in Colombia, he left her for another woman. Initially, (two years ago?) he gave her a "decent" settlement, a monthly alimony and they shared custody (as part of an agreement made between her, him, and his lawyer; she had no lawyer present at the signing of the agreement).
Recently, though, things have taken a turn for the worse.
Two weeks ago, he took the child and hasn't let her (mom) see her (the child). He stopped paying her money, and wants mom to give up custody.
My friend is despondent. She has no money, resources, or family who can help her. She doesn't know the legal system in Colombia very well. She did find a lawyer who said she has a good case and can win custody, but he said she needs to pay about $850 up-front for him to take her case.
Thus, my question: is it common practice in Colombia to pay lawyers up-front? The divorces I know of in the US, the fees are part of the settlements. (Remember, the ex-husband makes a German salary and has more than enough money to pay for legal fees).
Is there some sort of legal services organization in Colombia where my friend can go for help?
Does anyone know any good divorce lawyers in Medellin?
BACKGROUND:
She's Cuban, her ex is German; he flew her to Germany to get married. They had a child (girl) and the three of them moved to Colombia, where he got a high-paying job as an expat (German salary). She has few professional skills and was a full-time housewife/mother.
Shortly after arriving in Colombia, he left her for another woman. Initially, (two years ago?) he gave her a "decent" settlement, a monthly alimony and they shared custody (as part of an agreement made between her, him, and his lawyer; she had no lawyer present at the signing of the agreement).
Recently, though, things have taken a turn for the worse.
Two weeks ago, he took the child and hasn't let her (mom) see her (the child). He stopped paying her money, and wants mom to give up custody.
My friend is despondent. She has no money, resources, or family who can help her. She doesn't know the legal system in Colombia very well. She did find a lawyer who said she has a good case and can win custody, but he said she needs to pay about $850 up-front for him to take her case.
Thus, my question: is it common practice in Colombia to pay lawyers up-front? The divorces I know of in the US, the fees are part of the settlements. (Remember, the ex-husband makes a German salary and has more than enough money to pay for legal fees).
Is there some sort of legal services organization in Colombia where my friend can go for help?
Does anyone know any good divorce lawyers in Medellin?
