I am a single mother of a 5 year old child in South Africa who's father is listed on her birth certificate. However, since we have divorced, he has never paid child support or been involved in her life. There has never been a need to go to court for me to get sole custody and I never wished to pursue it for child support. But now I want to apply to study in Australia, and I need to prove to the Australian High Commission that I have full custody in order to take her out of SA. I wish to travel soon, and a court order will take too long. They have requested either a letter of consent from the father, which he refuses to give; or a court order, which will take way too long. What can I do?

There is nothing you can do other than follow the directions which have been given to you in order to travel.

Either obtain the signature of the father OR go to Court.

If you haven't been receiving support and want to put some pressure on him you can always file for support now.

Otherwise you must meet the legal requirements to leave the Country and enter Australia.