Visa to India

Hope someone can help.

I finally got my Decree Absolute thru last year after 3 years of starting the process (woohoo!)as my ex had stopped responding to any letters. He basically disappeared and once we got the DWP to find him and prove his address - we were able to give divorce papers to which he still didnt respond. In the end - the courts agreed to the divorce knowing we exhausted all avenues. They were also happy with the current arrangements with the children and had no need to pursue anything on that level.
1 year later (3+ years since my children last had contact), Im looking to take my them to India but for their visa's, both parents passport copies are required.
In case of divorce - a child custody letter from the court is required.
In case of single parent, a solicitors letter and child benefit letter is required.
Im sure i qualify for both - I have no idea how to get a child custody letter or the times/costs involved. Claiming as a single parent would be easier.
Please can someone advise if I can do this and any further info regarding child visas.
Thanks so much in advance.

VTired all over again

I think you need a custody doc as divorced whilst a single parent in this case probably means someone who has never married.

Well, I guess you need a custody order. What are the current arrangemensts that the court agreed to?

We have only seen the ex 3 times since we separated 4.5 years ago- the last being 3 years ago. I don't get child maintenance nor have I applied for it. I work full time, children are in fulltime school and I'm more financially better off as I'm no longer having to compensate for any drugs/alcohol that he used to spend his money on. My solicitor at the time said I can't force him to have contact with the children- that's something he needs to do and that the courts don't feel the need to get involved.

Any ideas how I go about getting the child custody letter and how long it may take? I booked the tickets not thinking there'd be any hiccups for the visa- there weren't any for renewing the passports:(

Hi, I know its a post from 3years go but I am in same situation now, could you please let me know how you dealt with it?
and how can a primary carer (mother) after divorce get custody letter from court for visa purposes?

Thanks