Pregnant, seeking divorce in Bermuda

[golden rule]

Hello,
I live in Bermuda. I am non-Bermudian married to a Bermudian for five years. I am currently 6 months pregnant and we have agreed to divorce, amicable and non-contested.

I recently read something on another website that stated that when a child is born in Bermuda, and the mixed couple divorces, the courts tend to award custody to the Bermudian parent.

Does anyone know if this is true? the second sentence is what I am questioning.... Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Here is the wording
Those from overseas who arrive married should note that in the event their husband or wife also from overseas separates from or divorces them in Bermuda, one of them may have to leave Bermuda prematurely. If they have children while in Bermuda but later separate or divorce, the Bermudian spouse will normally get preference in child custody, under Bermuda law.

[annjd]

There is some truth to that yes. Consult legal counsel that is familiar with US and international rules and decide how and where you may wish to file--the choice can affect the outcome.

[annjd]

World Law's lawyers could also probably intervene and help resolve this if need be. You may email them on the home page.

I can answer your questions. I am an American that was married to a Bermudian and lived in Bermuda. We have one child together. I moved back to the States and he filed for divorce while living with his girlfriend. The judge in Bermuda gave us joint custudy but I have care and concern. Our child lives with me in the States. It really doesn't matter what the court saids in Bermuda - they DO NOT have jurisdiction in the States and they can NOT stop Americans from leaving Bermuda with their AMERICAN children. Your best bet, and cheaper too, is to file for divorce in the States and not Bermuda. It is very expensive, slow and annoying. When I went back for the divorce I told the judge directly that my child would never come back to visit my ex - if he wanted to see his child he would have to come to the states without his girlfriend. My ex argued that but of course there was nothing neither one of them could do. Also, make sure, if your child is born in Bermuda you go directly to the American Embassy and get their American passport and birth certificate. You will need the birth certificate from the hospital there, your birth certificate and your marriage certificate. That is VERY important for not only registering your child with the State Department as an American, but if there should be a diaster in Bermuda, the U.S. will know you're there and remove you and your child from harm's way. Unlike other countries, there's many advantages and blessings being an American citizen. Better yet, come home and have your child and leave that Bermudian to his own - you'll be better off. Good luck!!

advice to ALL Americans: DO NOT marry Bermudians. Bermudian, American marriages DO NOT mix. Our cultures are TOO different. Bermudians don't want to admit that because they try too hard to be Americans. ALL of my Americans friends in Bermuda divorced their Bermudian spouses (male & female) and returned home. Stick with Americans, you will be a lot happier and better off in the long run. I thank God I am out of that awful relationship. There's NOTHING like having American spouse, trust me. You have more in common.

[tbyte]

You sound like a horrible person.
Your child was born in Bermuda, and your divorce was finalized in Bermuda. Your ex should file in American courts to have the orders from Bermuda enforced.
People should not be able to get away with this crap.

Get OVER it tbyte. MY child is an American citizen - like me. OUR laws always override everyone else's. And I'm a great person with wonderful friends. We just don't like Bermuda OR Bermudians! YOU must be one. Too bad.

[tbyte]

Well!
I have been called a lot of rude things in my life, but NEVER has anyone been so low and despicable as to accuse me of being from BERMUDA!
You, ma'am, are a complete Antiguan! So there!

And I won't even go into how stupid and arrogant THIS comment is:

Originally Posted by Unregistered MY child is an American citizen - like me. OUR laws always override everyone else's.

..except to say that yes, the United States DOES recognize the laws of other countries, and since Bermuda is a British Territory I'd be surprised if Custody decisions were not honored between them and us.

Don't get your hanes in an uproar Tbyte! Your true colors are showing, like why would you consider it low and despictable to be from Bermuda? Mmmmmmm! Are you one of those arrogrant Americans who think they're better than everyone else on planet earth? Your comment definitely sounds like it. Or more importantly, are you one of those foreigners who has lived here for a while and forget where they're from, like the caribbean maybe?
Interesting!!!

[tbyte]

Its true. I admit it. My great great grandfather was Jamaican. Now, at last, the awful secret that my family has kept for generations is finally revealed.
Now, where did I get this wedgie from?

Its too bad after such a terrible night with my husband that I wanted to find good solid info and get on this site and see more bickering? Thought this was for legal concerns. It is not about being Bermudian/American/Canadian....yes, there is a HUGE gap in culture. Problem is if your spose has ever lived off the island in the "real" world (used loosely) Perception can be skewed living in this sadly racist and difficult place. I may not have a lot to offer, but disappointed I got here to this site and it was not professional. It is a shame Ms. America that you needed to bash all Bermudians (I am Canadian) they are not all like that - though at this point my husband is in the group you refer. They are not all that bad, but yes, it can be hellish to live here if you are not one of "them"
stick to the legal terms in the future. People are already "raw" when looking for this type of info and adding gas to the fire is not really sensible.
Thanks for making my night even BETTER.