Marriage overseas? Application via solicitor?

[nbu]

Advice needed: I am naturalised British citizen living in UK, my fiancee lives in Russia with her child, she had previous UK entry clearance refusals 10 years ago (to attend a conference) and never being to UK. I am travelling quite regular to visit them and I want them to come and settle here.

We are worrying she will be refused entry clearance because of previous refusals and our marriage will be treated as marriage of convenience.

What will be the best way - to organise wedding ceremony in UK or in Russia?
Should we involve solicitor help from the beginning, is it still possible when applying on-line overseas?

Thank you

[MPH80]

What were the circumstances of her refusal - why was it refused? Was that the only refusal she's had? What about to other countries?

As a general principle - precluding the answers to the above question - there should be nothing stopping her from obtaining a spouse or fiancee visa to the UK providing you meet all the requirements.

You can choose to get married where you wish, providing she obtains the right visa if you wish to marry here.

In terms of involving the solicitor - depending on your answers above - there shouldn't be any need. Providing you meet the requirements - it should be a straightforward application.

The one snag will be with the child - assuming it isn't yours - as she will need to prove she has sole responsibility for the child before she can apply.

M.

[nbu]

Thank you MPH80 that was very helpful!

The reason she was refused entry clearance "you are going to spend the equivalent of x months salary on one day conference - we don't feel you intentions are genuine" she reapplied week later at different consulate, was refused on the same grounds.

We were under impression that organising wedding ceremony in UK giving us better chances of approval, looks like we were wrong.

If we decide to go ahead via solicitor rote - can solicitor apply on our behalf at overseas visa centre?

Thanks a lot!