Posted on April 27, 2009
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Need to get rid of your spouse with or without his or her agreement? Consider the Dominican Republic or Haiti, both countries on the island of Hispaniola which has some of the most liberal international divorce laws and family law courts in the world.
This Caribbean island’s white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters have always been a popular setting for weddings. It is also the place for quickie divorces. For years, the Dominican Republic’s easy and fast divorce laws have attracted showbiz stars like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, seeking quick splits without publicity.
Some foreign courts question the validity of international divorces obtained in foreign countries by non-residents of those third countries. Yet a good family or divorce lawyer who is familiar with international legal requirements can arrange to have such decrees validated in most jurisdictions.
If you are ready to get hitched to a new honey but you need offshore divorce papers first, here’s a quick rundown on how it works….
MUTUAL CONSENT EXPRESS DIVORCE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic, some years ago, offered unilateral divorces for spouses where the divorce might otherwise have been contested, but this is no longer possible except in exceptional circumstances. This ‘exceptional circumstance’ stuff is lawyer talk. It means, without mutual consent it will cost you more, and the courts in your home country (where your spouse is living) won’t recognize it if your spouse doesn’t. You may end up unmarried and re-married to someone else in the rest of the world, but not in your home country.
However, if both parties to a marriage agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the Dominican international family/divorce law courts, the case can be heard there without any need for residence or even the physical presence of the couple in question. They simply need to sign powers of attorney authorizing lawyers to represent them. If there is no contest, the file – including any separation and child custody agreements – can be given an official rubber stamp fast. Your valid, uncontested divorce is often granted faster and cheaper than it would be in your home country. If there is no contest or disagreement, you are both single again.
The downside is that if both parties don’t appear personally, one can always claim that there was some fraud involved. In later years, this could mean claims over property rights or custody of children. Unfortunately, in legal matters, anyone can sue anyone else for anything at any time. There is no certainty. The value of a divorce decree or any court order is always in doubt because it can be challenged later. The best way to make an arrangement that sticks is to have independent lawyers on both sides agree on sort of a contract (separation agreement) that covers all the possibilities you and your lawyers can think of. If this is later deemed to have been a fair arrangement for both sides, with no fraud or duress, the odds are that it will ’stick.’
UNILATERAL DIVORCE: HAITI TAKES OVER
The main advantage of Haiti, a relatively new player in the international divorce game, is that mutual consent is not required. You simply petition the court for a divorce and it is automatically granted.
The grounds used for unilateral international divorce are ‘incompatibility.’ This is proven by simply the fact that one of the parties is seeking a divorce. Therefore, there is no need to determine fault.
The only difficulty is that the person wanting the divorce has to be there in person for the hearing. The price (depending on the lawyer you use) will be higher than in the Dominican Republic.
There also a few other options. Divorce laws are in a state of flux in most countries. Your particular needs (child custody and property disputes) may require a preliminary consultation with an expert who knows the current rules, both in your country and in the places where instant divorces are available. Nevada, for instance has long been a favourite venue for both quick marriages and divorces that must, by law, be recognized in all other states of the USA. The last time we looked however, a six week physical residence was required.
It is always better if both parties agree to divorce and agree on all the terms. But a unilateral or one party divorce can be useful if one party simply refuses to end the status, or if both parties still live in a country that simply does not allow divorces. People from these countries can divorce abroad. The ramifications and complications of such a divorce could take a large book to cover, but the short version is that their divorce will be recognized everywhere but in their home country. And for some purposes, it may be recognized in the home country as well.
This information is kindly supplied by Express Offshore Divorces from the VIP Express Divorce Kit, published by Expat Wealth.
Posted on April 27, 2009
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In this post, we carry on from Part 1 (published last week) of a guest post from Grandpa, offshore guru at Bye Bye Big Brother and writer of the new Second Passport Report 2009.
PERSONAL SAFETY WHEN USING ATM MACHINES INTERNATIONALLY
Many a young tough will hang around a cash dispensing machine to simply grab money and run when a good target presents itself. Obviously, it is better to withdraw cash after you have visually surveyed the area and have seen several other people do it from the same machine a few seconds before you do. To make a withdrawal using your offshore credit or debit card from an ATM machine, with tough guys hanging about on a lonely night, isn’t a great idea.
PURSE SNATCHERS IN THE THIRD WORLD
Would you open up your wallet or purse on a public street and count your money in the open? Many people do exactly that. What an invitation to snatchers! Likewise, leaving your purse hanging from the back of a chair at a sidewalk café – or on any outdoor table is an invitation to snatchers on motorbikes. Many women will drive around with their purse on the vacant front car seat – with the windows down. It is only a matter of time until their purse is grabbed at a traffic light or when they are stopped in traffic. Think!
CARRYING IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ACROSS BORDERS
If local law allows it, carry only copies of important documents like car titles, driving licenses, passports. In some countries, however, the police can jail you if you don’t have originals of these documents on your person, or in your car when driving. Check local laws and customs.
Often the ‘dumb tourist’ attitude plus a good colour copy will get you a pass from the cops. (Other places, like France, it is illegal to make colour copies of official ID documents, and this could get you in trouble. Black and white copies will do fine there.)
Only one credit card internationally should be carried on the person on the street – and even then, only if it is likely to be needed. Carry only the cash (and maybe a small reserve) you think you will need for any particular outing. This will prevent any severe losses from petty thefts – or if you just lose your wallet. One of our most experienced PT friends was paying at a supermarket checkout counter when distracted. He either forgot to pick up his credit card, or it was snatched. He didn’t notice it was gone until he arrived home. Fortunately he was able to block his credit card immediately by internet banking and his total loss was around 10 € for a new credit card plus the a 2€ nylon wallet. He wisely carried no identification for his daily ten minute shopping spree.
GOING OUT TO PAINT THE TOWN RED?
Looking and acting poor and never bragging about how rich you are is a good PT rule. For young and attractive women, out on lonely streets at night, or if you have to wait for a bus alone, don’t dress like a hooker. Everyone should avoid risky spots and risky countries. Blending in and not attracting attention is the #1 P.T. Rule.
Of course if you are in Monaco, to blend in, you have to look and act rich. That’s hard for this writer to do, since I am always broke and look like a slob – even when I try to dress up and pretent to be respectable. But it’s better to look poor in a rich crowd than to look rich in a poor crowd.
IF YOU HAVE TO FIGHT BACK
A non-lethal, disabling pepper spray can be a good form of defence in situations where you suspect that you might be subject to personal violence. ‘Mace’ is illegal in many countries, but if ever you’re stopped and searched by the police and it’s found, for one thing it’s less difficult to explain than a concealed weapon. And as a ‘tourist,’ your explanation that you didn’t know it was illegal and it’s just for self defence, is more than likely to be believed.
A wooden or metal ‘ornament’ on a key ring can be a weapon. When I am out at night and sense danger, I keep my right hand in my pocket, holding my key ring with several keys sticking out positioned between the knuckles. I’ve never had to use it, but in this position it’s an excellent knuckle-duster and could inflict painful, but superficial, injuries. This could never be questioned as an offensive weapon. If you do this, make sure the ring itself is strong and you have a soft fob cushioning against the inside of your palm, otherwise it could injure you!
The collapsible steel truncheons that the police carry these days are also very effective. They are only about six inches long and an inch in diameter with a rubber grip and a small steel ball at the end. They ‘flick’ out to a couple of feet in length and are highly effective if used correctly.
A friend who owns a jewellery store always carries one with her on deliveries or when walking to the bank. Her view is that if she’s ever ‘caught’ with it, because of her circumstances – a woman on her own, possibly vulnerable and because she may have jewellery on her – the police would view carrying it as quite justifiable.
In “spy shops” and on internet sites there are many interesting defensive weapons for sale. The people in these spy stores can tell you what’s legal in the local jurisdiction. Tiny derringer pistols would be effective at point blank range, shot in an assailant’s eye. Because of their size and limited power, in most countries they are not classed as a gun. But before you spend hundreds of dollars on any kind of gun, remember that ordinary red spray paint in the eyes of a mugger is a legal and effective deterrant!
GUNS FOR SELF DEFENCE? NO WAY!
For a PT, avoiding confrontantions is a less risky, far better alternative than resisting. Getting into a gun, fist or knife fight means someone will get badly hurt. Probably you! Train and bus robbers, or car hijackers, normally work in pairs or teams. So even if you shot one, the rest of the gang would probably get you. Only in Algeria do the robbers massacre all the unarmed travellers on a bus or train. In other places, the crooks take the portable valuables and go on their way. The usual command is: “Nobody gets hurt if you co-operate.” And that’s usually the way it works out.
Some macho PTs insist on carrying weapons on their person or in their vehicle. This is emphatically not recommended. In most foreign countries packing a rod (gun) can get you into serious trouble with the law. If you must have a gun for self-defence purpose, see our resource list for the few countries where this allowed for citizens and legal residents. There are almost no countries where a foreigner can legally carry heat.
A real PT should have nothing to prove in terms of his macho self image. Blowing somebody away (even in self-defence) will result in a trial and criminal arrest record at best – retribution or prison time at worst. PTs just run where possible. If you can’t run, then
(1) be aware of any ‘natural’ weapons you may have around you (perhaps an automobile you are in command of);
(2) Remember: You’re essentially an idiot if you don’t just run – if that’s possible
(3) Never willingly allow yourself to be forced into a car. Statistics indicate that those who resist in this circumstance are far more likely to survive.
BOTTOM LINE
We hope we didn’t scare you too much with this brief article. On the contrary, we hope it was useful to you. The truth is if you use ordinary care and common sense you will be safe on your travels. You are extremely unlikely be a victim if you take the good advice of experienced travellers offered here. You’ll find a lot more material like this in Grandpa’s Missives available online from Global Liberty Publishing.
Posted on April 27, 2009
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27 April 2009, released by UK Pressure Group No2ID
The Home Secretary today makes a delayed announcement of a consultation on proposals for the so-called Intercept Modernisation Programme. It has been widely reported for some months, and plans were acknowledged by Lord West the security minister last week[1], that this would place Home Office ‘probes’ in the datacentres of every British internet provider at an estimated cost of £12 billion.
This would allow direct skimming of all traffic, making it massively easier to intercept email and monitor individual’s web use using existing powers. The Home Office would become a clearing-house, able to provide data ad lib to other government agencies. It would also become possible for the first time to collect and store details of *all* communications by everyone in the country so that government agencies could investigate friendship networks and personal habits using data-mining techniques [2].
Guy Herbert, General Secretary of NO2ID [3] said:
Just a week after the Home Secretary announced a public consultation on some trivial trimming of local authority surveillance, we have this: a proposal for powers more intrusive than any police state in history.
‘Ministers are making a distinction between content and communications data into sound-bite of the year. But it is spurious. Officials from dozens of departments and quangos could know what you read online, and who all your friends are, who you emailed, when, and where you were when you did so – all without a warrant[4]. Tracking your your every move is more efficiently creepy than reading your letters.’
-ENDS-
Notes for editors:
1) See, for example: The Register ‘Spy chiefs size up net snoop gear’
2) As suggested by Sir David Omand in his ‘A discussion paper for the ippr Commission on National Security for the 21st Century’
‘Finding out other people’s secrets is going to involve breaking everyday moral rules.’ – But the Home Office’s use of such a super-database is *not* limited to intelligence work – see note 4.
3) NO2ID is a national, non-partisan campaign against ID cards and the database state. See http://www.no2id.net/dbstate.php for a list of other ‘database state’ initiatives that NO2ID is actively opposing, and http://www.no2id.net/datasharing for how they fit together.
4) Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the Home Secretary’s – not a court’s – warrant is required to read mail or listen to phone calls. But all the following may authorise themselves to examine communications data for their own purposes:
43 police forces in England & Wales
8 police forces in Scotland
Police Service of Northern Ireland
British Transport Police
Port of Liverpool Police
Port of Dover Police
Royal Military Police
Royal Air Force Police
Civil Nuclear Constabulary
Ministry of Defence Police
Royal Navy Police
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Serious Organised Crime Agency
Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency United Kingdom Border Agency.
The Prison Service
Approximately 474 local authorities throughout the UK.
Approximately 110 *other* public authorities, including almost all government departments, and Serious Fraud Office Independent Police Complaints Commission Charity Commission Gambling Commission Royal Mail to name only a few.
(source: report of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc0708/hc09/0947/0947.pdf )
Posted on April 20, 2009
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a Guest Post by Grandpa, Editor in chief of The Second Passport Report
“I used to ask my students whether it is better to be held up by a street thug or by your own government. That’s irrelevant now. You get both.” Dr. Mark Skousen
PTs tend to spend a great deal of time travelling using all forms of conveyances. Travel is fun and usually safe, but seasoned travellers still have some tips. It is better you do not learn these tips by not following them!
IN TRANSIT
As an anonymous tourist, you are very unlikely to be threatened with serious crime such as kidnapping. Kidnappers usually know their victims before they do the deed. They want politicians or prominent businessmen, people with money and influence. Regular tourists are almost never kidnapped.
But in some lawless areas like Africa or parts of South East Asia, where a white skin is rare, whites can be victims. The same applies to wilder parts of Russia like Chechnya and Ingoushetnia.
You do need to be very aware of burglary, muggings and also armed robberies. In Mexico, all of Central and South America and the more extreme parts of Eastern Europe, hold-ups or pickpocketing can occur when in crowds, when stopped in your car at a traffic light or when using public transport, such as buses.
While in transit, you should have ready sacrificial items that the bandits would be satisfied with, such as a fake brand name watch, small amounts of cash and a give-away decoy wallet with fake or expired driving license and expired credit cards.
Keep the real items well concealed in a thigh money belt or bra-money-belt for the girls. Have the sacrificial wallet in your usual pocket and the give-away watch on your wrist. Bandits are always in a hurry. Normally they won’t do strip or pat down search of their victims – especially those who readily give up their wallets.
Never leave valuables in parked cars. Avoid leaving anything that could even look like valuables, such as empty briefcases, backpacks, CDs or attractive sunglasses. People will break in for them causing a lot of inconvenience and necessitating repairs more expensive than the items stolen. This problem is particularly prevalent in European cities. Car radios and cameras left in the glove box are typical targets.
THEFT FROM MOVING CARS AND HIJACKING
Having an old car does not mean it won’t be stolen. Some crooks steal cheap cars, ‘chopping’ them for parts. Some crooks will try to rob even poor looking people. But it’s a question of lowering your visibility, increasing the bother and raising the risk for the thief — thereby lowering your odds of being targeted. It’s the same process as dealing with governments! Rich looking people are juicier targets than poor slobs.
Generally, only very high value cars are hijacked while being driven. However popular smaller models, for example the high-end VW Golfs, are also popular targets. There’s not a lot you can do to prevent carjacking except installation of various electronic equipment that will, for example, immobilize the car, lock the doors and sound the alarm after a certain distance if a pocket transmitter is not in the driver’s pocket. But that does not prevent the crime – it merely helps you recover the car, which is secondary.
Bottom Line? Any anti theft device can be overcome by experienced professionals. Yet since most thefts are by amateurs who see a fortuitous opportunity, by being careful and using anti-theft devices you can avoid most thefts.
You should always keep your windows closed and doors locked when driving in crowded cities. Avoid keeping valuables such as purses on the passenger seat next to you. Don’t put valuables in easy reach for somebody on a motorcycle to drive by and smash the passenger window. Pay particular attention at traffic lights and where vendors, window-washers, etc., congregate. Never open or unlock the doors or windows even if someone starts banging on the glass. At that stage you have a good chance of just driving off unless, of course, they are armed with a gun. In such a case, you should not resist.
Some people keep a realistic looking toy gun in their cars. I would not, as some thieves will want to steal the gun! Not to mention the problems it could cause with police.
A common type of theft in Brazil and much of Latin America is the intersection trick. When a car is stopped at a light, thieves run up to the car, smash the window and rob the driver/passengers at gunpoint or knifepoint. Since Sao Paolo has major traffic problems, cars are often stuck in jams. The same could be said of the French Riviera or Miami. Tourist cars are the usual target – thieves will follow victims from the airport.
Sometimes, however, a high profile can be of help. One day in Sao Paolo, thieves decided to rob a stretch limo. The limo stopped at a light, the robber smashed the window, stuck his head and gun in the car only to discover that the passenger in the car was Pele! Pele is the closest thing to God in Brazil other than God himself. The thief apologised profusely and ran away, not wanting to rob Pele – knowing that in Brazil, if he were caught, there would certainly be a lynch mob waiting for him.
Keep a mobile phone with you in your car so you can summon help or report trouble. After looking for bugs and explosives, check tires, lights, the horn and be sure your petrol tank is full and not leaking. A flat tire or a slow leak can place you in a critical and vulnerable position.
Always keep your car (or boat or plane) in optimum running condition. Getting stuck in a bad neighborhood or being ‘rescued’ by pirates is not a scenario you should thrust yourself into.
The above warnings apply equally when travelling in taxis. Be sure to keep doors and windows firmly locked.
IF YOU ARE BEING FOLLOWED
It is imperative to shake or avoid anyone who may be following you. Your tail may have a number of techniques. If it is Big Brother, they may use several vehicles or even aircraft to keep track of you. Often doubling back on yourself can throw pursuers off your tail. If you are in your car, or are a passenger in a taxi, and feel threatened by followers, lead them into a congested traffic area. Stop the car, get out and walk away quickly. Rush into a crowded subway and get on a train if possible.
In a big city, waiting until the doors of your subway train start to close before exiting can help you spot a stalker or tail. Get on a train going in the opposite direction. Keep changing trains until your tail has dropped off.
NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR POSSESSIONS IN A PARKED CAR – FOR ANY REASON
This news item was recently heard by one of our readers on Monaco’s English language radio station, Riviera Radio.
The radio broadcast many an appeal that night to return the car and possessions, but they were never seen again. Locals helped out the family with a free place to stay and old clothes. As the result of the radio appeal, other locals chipped in with enough dough for them to get back to the UK. But their vacation was spoiled!
How could this (relatively rare) event have been avoided? By using the techniques previously mentioned, to make it more difficult for potential robbers. My guess is that the camper wasn’t even locked! It certainly didn’t have a ten euro steering wheel anti-theft ‘Mamouth’ device that discourages most car thieves.
The moral of the story is that you don’t have to go to Afghanistan, the Peshawar Pass or even to Mexico to be robbed. And you don’t have to be ostentatiously displaying wealth. It can happen anywhere. It can usually be avoided by simply being aware of the possibilities and taking simple precautions to avoid it.
ON THE STREET
In unfamiliar cities or countries, there are two golden rules:
1. Be prepared
2. Blend in
Being prepared means reading up on a country before you get there. Escape Artist and Offshore World both have lots of articles on countries. There are also of course good guide books to most places which you can read through in an hour or two. They will give you good information on local customs and what to expect on arrival.
Remember, collaboration with the enemy is one of the worst offences. When you advertise your target potential, that is exactly what you are doing. By following the usual ‘low profile’ PT rule you will avoid most trouble.
At all times, try to present an outward appearance of being a typical, respectable, middle class person. Avoid overt signs of wealth such as expensive watches and jewellery. Also avoid weird costumes or get up that may attract negative attention. Many people will pick a fight with a skinhead or ‘flaming’ gay who would be left alone if he looked and acted more conventional.
Less obvious is that you should avoid standing out as a tourist. For example if you are in a hot country but all the locals are wearing long pants, you should avoid plaid Bermuda shorts. At best it makes you stand out from the crowd. At worst, in some countries, dressing strangely might be taken as a serious religious affront. This would be especially true of women who show too much skin or dress too sexy for the fundamentalist locals. Be aware of local sensitivities!
Strangers about whom you know little should be assumed to be dangerous until proven otherwise. That may sound like overkill until examined under the light of effective security. But many swindlers gain the confidence of tourists and even invite them out for drinks. Sometimes the trusting soul gets a ‘micky’ in his drink. They wake up robbed and raped – if they wake up at all.
Avoid overly friendly people who seem to be cultivating you. Don’t compromise your privacy and security. Don’t go off to just any stranger’s home. Keep everyone at arm’s length until their background and character are known. There is no harm in asking to see a new friend’s passport or identification, and then emailing or texting that information to a friend. If you casually mention what you have done (in a nice friendly way) to your new ‘friend’ if he has evil intentions, you will be dropped like a hot potato.
The same approach is required in strange places. If you find yourself in a sleazy dive with dangerous looking characters at the bar, get out fast. Avoid neighborhoods with graffiti on the walls or young punks idling on the sidewalks. When there is even the slightest doubt about a place, avoid it. There is never a good reason for putting yourself in jeopardy.
Observation is the best way to learn. Look at what the local people are wearing from head to toe. Try to follow their examples. When they eat, where they go, what they drive, how they pay for things, etc. Every little detail counts when you are trying to blend in.
Key items to avoid in most parts of the world are big obvious cameras, baseball hats, shorts, sneakers or tennis shoes, American t-shirts, backpacks and loud English. On the other hand, if you are trying to blend in on a Florida beach, those things are exactly the camouflage you need! Adapt everything to circumstances and above all use common sense.
We have all developed habits that call unnecessary attention to ourselves. Eliminate them in your own conduct. Loud, rude and boisterous conduct is to be avoided.
In part 2, next week, Grandpa covers ATM machine safety, Carrying Important Documents Internationallyand What to Do If you Have to Fight Back. Also, learn about Carrying Guns for Self Defence. If you would like to learn more about Grandpa and his material, visit http://www.byebyebigbrother.com
Posted on April 13, 2009
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According to a recent article in The Register, the British, German, Netherlands and Czech Republic governments are co-operating on a cvonfidential research project in order to avoid the distribution of Islamic material branded ‘extremist’ on the internet.
According to the article, the majority of jihadi websites are on non-EU servers and so cannot be easily censored. It’s thought, however, that the EU governments involved are investigating filtering technolgies, as well as seeking international police cooperation on in order to crack down on internet service providers found to be hosting extremist sites.
A European Commission funded endeavour called “Exploring the Islamist Extremist Web of Europe – Analysis and Preventive Approaches”, is being led by the German interior ministry. However, the EC refuses to say how much funding it has granted to this project.
The British Home Office points out that UK-based ISPs have been cooperatig in voluntarily taking down extremist material. In contrast, however, British officials complain that the powers granted by Section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2006 are useless overseas.
In February 2009 The Register ran a piece on how K ISPs had not had significant contact from the Home Office on extremist material since Jacqui Smith said she wanted “to cut off the supply of those who want to look to violent extremism [online]“. In March, a British study of internet radicalisation concluded that efforts at censorship daimed at filtering extremist material would be “crude, costly and counter-productive”.