I'm trying to help my Dad figure out what to do. Several years ago when he was in his early 60's, he met a Dominican lady in her 40's who was traveling in the US. They began to date, albeit sporadically as he was still living and working in NY City. After a couple of years he decided to move to DR and provided all went well, marry the lady. He bought a house in her small town, but being a particularly conservative and religious Spaniard, would not stay in her house nor allow her to stay at his home until they were legally wed. I understand how ridiculous this all sounds- but, that's the way it is. After being in the DR a few months he realized that she had a serious gambling problem and was perpetually involved in one predicament or another. In time, cash and small valuables began to disapear from his home. He then ended the relationship, much to the relief of his family.
Within a 18 months he met and married a Dominican woman from his church, last year to everyone's surprise, they had a baby boy. A month ago while my father and his wife were out of town, their house was burglarized, the day of their return he was served with court papers indicating that the former girlfriend is claiming a right to his DR property, presumably as his "common-law" wife or "concubine". My Dad did not marry or live with this woman and certainly has no children with her. I believe she is looking to be paid off as a "nuisance suit". My Dad has consulted a lawyer who wants to charge him $5,000 to represent him. Quite a sum for a case that has no legal merit.
Please advise as to what is the best course of action. The woman is quite connected in the small town they live in and I'm not sure if corruption stretches as far as the judiciary there. The case is July 1, I'm heading there this week to meet my baby brother and try to sort out this mess. My Dad is on a small fixed retirement, the DR house is his only asset and now he has a dependent wife and child to care for. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Within a 18 months he met and married a Dominican woman from his church, last year to everyone's surprise, they had a baby boy. A month ago while my father and his wife were out of town, their house was burglarized, the day of their return he was served with court papers indicating that the former girlfriend is claiming a right to his DR property, presumably as his "common-law" wife or "concubine". My Dad did not marry or live with this woman and certainly has no children with her. I believe she is looking to be paid off as a "nuisance suit". My Dad has consulted a lawyer who wants to charge him $5,000 to represent him. Quite a sum for a case that has no legal merit.
Please advise as to what is the best course of action. The woman is quite connected in the small town they live in and I'm not sure if corruption stretches as far as the judiciary there. The case is July 1, I'm heading there this week to meet my baby brother and try to sort out this mess. My Dad is on a small fixed retirement, the DR house is his only asset and now he has a dependent wife and child to care for. I would appreciate any suggestions.