Options for Non eu national with eu young daughter in uk

[KC2010]

I am a US citizen with an 8 mths old Italian daughter currently in the UK. My daughter and partner are legal UK residents and I would like to obtain a visa or permit that would allow me to live and work in the UK permanently with them. I travel a lot and have been in and out of the UK since April 2010 , however I have not been back to the US since this time. During this time the maximum amount of time I have spent in the UK is one month. I understand I can apply for an EEA family permit, but given that I am already in the UK I was wondering what I should do since one needs to apply for the EEA FP in the country of residence. Can I simply apply for the residence permit and obtain the right to lawfully live in the UK ? Will the fact that I have been in and out of the UK during these past six months affect my chances of obtaining legal status in the UK?What are my chances of obtaining a visa or permit that will allow me to live and work here? How long can the advise route take? Is this fairly simple or would it be best to hire an attorney? I would be extremely grateful if someone can advise me as to how I should address this very important and urgent matter.Many thanks in advance!!!

[86ti]

It would be an application for a residence card, see Guidance. It's unclear, however, why you want to derive it from your daughter. What is the nationality of your partner and what is your relationship to him/her.

[KC2010]

Thank you for your reply.
My partner/father of my daughter is an Italian national. We are not married. I wish to obtain the permit based on an Italian law called the right to family unity - "norme in materia di diritto all'unita familiare." Given that I wish to live in the UK and not Italy, I thought it sensible to regularize my immigration status in here.... perhaps I am wrong. I am not sure what to do.

Please advise.
Many thanks!!!

[86ti]

You may be able to make use of the EEA route if you reside together with your parnter in the UK and you have sufficient income. As you are not married you'll have to demonstrate a durable relationship which may be easier since you are having a child together. But I refer you once again to the link above for all the details.