Legal Help for Relationship Problems and Divorce

Questioner

Hello, I have been in the Netherlands for 4 years because of my current partner. Unfortunately I had to leave everything behind for him and came here. I have three children from a previous marriage (divorced due to abuse). Unfortunately my relationship is not going as I thought. When I came here my current partner was in big financial trouble with which I helped him and am actually still doing. But it is never good. I am being psychologically abused and I don't know what to do anymore. I work full time and in addition I take care of my children and the household. With every argument we have my children are the victims and my oldest son already starts complaining that he doesn't always want to see me crying or unhappy and that he loves daddy but doesn't always let me suffer. I find it annoying for my children and want to make them happy above all and unfortunately after four years I have realized that it is not possible with my partner. We lived in a rental house where my partner is the main tenant. I don't know what to do anymore but I want to be alone with my children to relax and start over. Can someone please tell me where I can go for help? I have only been here for four years and I don't know how or what.

Lawyer

I don't know what you want exactly, but if it concerns a de facto termination of your relationship (divorce or no divorce), you may lose your right to reside in the Netherlands. I say this without knowing whether you have Dutch nationality or whether I know what type of residence permit you have, but in the latter case it may be advisable to ask the Immigration Office for a residence permit not dependent on a partner, but in your own name. Furthermore, you can initiate a divorce or, if you are not married, terminate the cohabitation. Whether you qualify for other housing is the question. Now you may also be able to make a claim on the rental property where you currently live. In all cases, it is advisable to discuss the possibilities thoroughly with a lawyer who practices both family law and immigration law. Good luck.