Wish to bring my wife and child over

Hi, I wonder if anyone could offer me some advice. I'm hoping to apply for my wifes visa so she can come to the u.k and settle here permanantly. I myself am British and so is our daughter though my wife is an American citizen. My wifes already been here infact we were married here and she stayed here for about 2 years. The problem is she over stayed her visa. Theres a good reason for this, I was ill for the first year and she had to look after me. The second year she was pregnant. With all this I was unable to work so I didn't see the point in applying for her to stay. She'd only be refused. June this year we decided to go to the states. She would stay there with my daughter until I can bring them over here. She wasn't deported or anything like that, we decided it would be the best way to do this.

I haven't been working for the past two years and so have no savings at all. This was due to my illness though now I would say I'm not cured but I have no sign of illness. My plan was to work for three months full time, I already have a suitable acommadation for my family. After three months produce three wage slips and bank statements and apply through a good solicitor.
As I say that was the original plan but obviously I don't know the immigration laws in this country infact I find it all a little confusing. Maybe someone would be kind enough to give me some advice on how to go about everything? One more thing, how long is the process likely to take, how long before my wife and daughter are here?

Thank you...