In my opinion, your father is in for a tough go of it.
Yes, corruption goes all the way to the judiciary, to say the least. Lawyers tend to work hand-in-hand with the judiciary. You do the math.
While there is no legal standing for a "common law spouse" in the DR, women have successfully sued for dwelling, cars, pensions, and anything else you could think of. The women and the system they use are cold and heartless. It is all about who can get the most. It is not a pretty picture.
My advice to you and your father is to hire a good lawyer. Of course that is the tricky part, and it is not an easy task. Things are not always as they seem in the DR, and even well-respected lawyers can shift and change with each new court appointment, or have hidden conflicting agendas.
$5,000 is way too much, BUT if the attorney can really do something, and not just go through the motions, it might be worth it. Certainly, the amount of money does not ensure proper counsel. You might find a decent lawyer (one who has enough connections in the court system) for less, or it might cost you more to get the job done. There doesn't appear to be any price-point that would indicate you are getting what you need, as far as what I have seen.
I am truly sorry all this is happening to you and your father. It seems as though your father is a honorable and honest man. Unfortunately, they are the ones who are eaten up and spit out here.
My advice is to play the game the way they play it here. Be as dirty and sneaky as they are. Don't trust anyone, including your attorney. Watch every move they make, and have a back-up plan. It also wouldn't hurt to contact the US embassy.
I wish I could be more reassuring, but I am just giving my opinion. It's a different world in the DR, and it doesn't take long to realize that good men like your father look like sitting ducks, with $ signs attached, to many women, attorneys, and the courts.
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