What happens when spouse refuses to sign

[Betty Boop]

Need advice for a lady from Ghana that arrived here six years ago this August with her British husband.

She has been working with the same employer for the last four years and thought all was well with her marriage. She has a son in his twenties who her husband has adopted.

Meanwhile her husband has served her with divorce papers which she is currently contesting and due in court at the beginning of May for. He is now refusing to sign her papers for her to stay in this country, she mentions she has an appointment in Newport in the middle of May. I am assuming, rightly or wrongly, that this would be where she needs to take all her signed paperwork from her spouse?

What can she do at this point? Is there anything she can do to remain in this country without the required signature from her husband?

Thank you in advance of any advice given and apologies if I have posted in the wrong area.

[CR001]

You will need to state what her immigration/visa status is for anyone to give advice.

Is she on a Spouse visa or ILR?

If on a spouse visa, why has she not applied for ILR and subsequently British Citizenship before?

It might be best if your friend posts her exact circumstances, relating to immigration issues, to get the best help.

[Betty Boop]

I am currently asking her those questions and waiting for a response.

The problem is I think she has allowed her spouse to do everything so she's not really sure what is going on. There are other issues where he has taken control as well. Seems a situation that as long as she does what she's told he's ok with her, she's refused to do something regarding money and he's filed for divorce.

Her english isn't great but has improved greatly over the last few months I've known her and she has no computer skills whatsoever.

[CR001]

She should know if there have been visa applications or extensions while in the UK as she has to sign the forms and send her passport and documents!!

[Betty Boop]

I'm sure she does but she is currently at work and I don't know the right questions to ask her.

[Greenie]

I appreciate you are trying to help your friend but without knowing all of the facts you are likely to do more damage than good. The best thing you can do for her is to help her seek immigration advice from a competent immigration adviser or solicitor. If you can indicate the area in which she is based I may be able to suggest appropriate solicitors local to her.

[Betty Boop]

May I PM location? Don't want someone recognising the details!

She has a solicitor for the divorce, but appears to not have one for the immigration issues.

She made an appointment with CAB but on the day no one was there, she's totally bewildered by the system.

[Greenie]

yes go ahead

[Betty Boop]

Seems I cant yet. Although will check again now as this brings my posts up to 5. I will be back later have to head out now.