When your husbands goes on a holiday to your home country and marries another woman.

[Donte]

I have a friend who is from Sudan. The other day when I saw her she was distressed and asked for help.

Her sister's husband took their children on a holiday back to their home country. In one of their telephone communications there was loud music, commotion and lots of noise in the background, so the mother asked the daughter what was going on. Reluctantly the daughter told her that her dad just got married to another woman and they are at the wedding reception. In their culture is not illegal, neither uncommon for a man to marry many wives.

My friend wants to help her sister who's filling for divorce and doesn't want to see her husband ever again upon his return to Australia. I gave her the Legal Aid number and the Family Mediation Centre. Not sure what else to do.

Anyone from a similar background has experienced of something like this? How would you help? The poor woman is apparently so distressed, has lost her sleep and appetite and according to my friend she is a wreck.

[Doolhof]

Hi Donte,

I don't have any answers or advice to this situation, my greatest concern is for the woman who has been betrayed and for the children involved!

Do you know if this man is intending to return to Australia or is he planning to stay there with his children and new wife?

I am not sure of Australian laws, but I doubt the man will be able to bring his new wife home unless he has organised visas and documents before hand.

It certainly is a difficult situation. I do hoe the woman here in Australia is able to find all the help and support she needs at this time.

Regards from Dools

[Donte]

Thanks Doolhof,

It is very distressing for her indeeed, from what I hear. But she seems adamant to divorce.

My friend tells me she’s applying for an intervention order against him so he won’t be able to return to the family home upon return to Australia.

She’s also applying for full custody of her children.

He’s about to return to Australia with his new wife this month. Of course their marriage won’t be recognized here so I believe they’re planning to live together as defacto.

[Doolhof]

Hi Donte,

I hope this man does bring the children back to Australia. You sometimes here of a spouse that takes the children overseas and does not return.

I do so hope the lady is able to receive all the help she needs to sort this out for her and her children. I also feel for the new wife. I wonder what she is expecting when she arrives in Australia? As you mentioned, she certainly will not be recognised as being married to this man and may find herself in all kinds of difficulties without the rights of someone being married to a person with Australian citizenship.

If that relationship goes sour, where does she end up? Will the man return to Sedan to find yet another wife?

My thoughts are for the Mother and her children. I really hope this works out in the end Donte.

Cheers from Dools