My wife wants to live in Philippines I have 2 children here in Australia who are 8yrs with ex wife?

My wife wants to live in the Philippines as she misses her family and friends. I have twin children here who I share with my ex wife. They are 8yrs old I would move to Phil with my wife but for my children , can I go there to live and leave my children here to my ex wife or do I need to stay here in Australia. My wife an I love each other very much ,but life here is a little lonely without her freinds and family as life style is very open there. I feel it would be hard for us if she where to live there and me here. What would be good for me to do? Life has advantages here but the life style is different here. She prefers to live in Philippines she wants me to go with her I could really retire there as its so cheap to live there but only for my children?

Public Comments

1. why not get a holiday home there like a time share and spend every vacation there
2. Babe do what your heart tells you but if you do leave make sure you see your children OFTEN! don't do what my Dad did a while ago and just leave them... it sucks seeing your siblings cry 'coz they miss their Dad so if ya gonna move you better still be active in their lives or I'll kick your @$$ on their behalf... xxoo
3. Of course you can bring your children. Foreigners have the option to become Filipino citizens after 10 years of stay in the country. What I know is the Philippines have a government agency to attract expats to live there.
4. I would stay in Australia if i were you. Unless that is you have lots and lots of money as there is no social health system there for you or your wife. I am British and my husband comes from the Philippines and we now live in Austria, yes we both have times when we are lonely and we miss our family, but now we have our own daughter who has the opportunity to grow up in a society that has less crime and do not fear strangers. Marriages to any other culture are difficult especially if there is a language barrier to over come too (we have both since learnt German of course, which was no easy task). My advice; stay where you are and encourage your wife to look at the good things and people around her, show her all the good things (and life) that Australia has to offer, but let her have time to reflect on a think of her family too and it's not that far away, you could make going on holiday to the Philippines something very special for her. Stay positive and take care. Love conquers all.
5. Wow - a really tough question, and one that you probably already have the answer for deep down in your heart but you're just to afraid to realise it. I myself am German and have lived in Germany for the most part of my life. I now live in Melbourne with my husband and 4 month old daughter. When I first moved here, it was a disasterous culture shock for me - as I am sure you are already aware of the two cultures being traditionally extremely different, and I get so home-sick sometimes that it tears my heart out! I understand exacty what your current wife is going through! Choosing between a wife and children is a terrible thing to do - one of the hardest decisions you might ever have to make in your life - one I hope never to have to personally make. However, at the end of the day - no one can persuade you to follow either path or persuade you to make a decision you are unhappy with. Personally - and I am sorry if this offends anyone - I would follow my husband where ever his road may take him, and leave my children behind if I had to. I made a vow to him once to stick by him through better or through worse, and I intend to honour that vow. Dont get me wrong - children are very important, as they are your own flesh and blood - but your spouse is your life partner, and she/he should be honoured above all. As your children are hopefully well looked after by your ex-wife, Im sure the decision to move to the Phillippines with your wife sounds more tempting. Have you ever thought about possibly making some sort of an arrangement with your ex-wife to send the children to the Phillippines for the holidays? Or have you maybe thought about asking your wife how she feels about living in both countries (if your finances agree) - six months in Oz, six months in the Phillippines or so?
6. *The easiest way out would be, to re-unite with your former wife, since that way the twins have their natural parents together. *As they say,You cannot have your cake and eat it; If you do love your new wife very much, then do the honorable thing: Accompany her to the Philippines where life as you say is cheaper and LEAVE the children in Australia with their biological mother.
7. Hey Blue Sky ... I'm in same boat!! Going over in a week or so to look at house. My wife wants to go back more because of the cost of living which is less than where we are and recently I lost my job (redundant) so we need to live cheaply. I have step daughter and that may be a problem for us with her non Filipino (UK) relations. Having said we all have issues which play on the mind when we are trying to decide right from wrong. As difficult as it may be you have your life to live and your choice will be with you forever. However, nothing replaces your kids. No one can really advise you its your decision, just trust yourself to make the right one and it will be.
8. You are in a tough spot. I would stay with my children and let wife go if I were given an either or option. See if you can come up with a compromise. 3 months in Australia 3 months in the Philippines 3 months in Australia 3 months in the Philippines etc... 3 months is still a long time away from your kids.