EEA Unmarried Partner. Less Than 2years Cohabiting

[WideAwake]

Hi all,
I've only recently discovered this forum, which is quite timely, considering my current situation and I hope I can gather some useful information and advice from you guys.
I overstayed my Working Holiday Visa and I currently live with my Latvian partner. We've known each other since early 2013 but only started a serious relationship early last year and have been living together for about 14 months now. I'm contemplating making a Residence Card application, either in the next month or two, as an Unmarried Partner of an EU Citizen but not quite sure if thats advisable since we've not cohabited for the required minimum of 2years. We, however, have a lovely 4 month old son and are certainly in a real relationship.
We're both open to getting married, most likely at the Registry but i'm hesitant to go ahead with that due to my status and the accompanying risks involved. Would it be possible/advisable to make my application as planned and then try have the marriage done at the Registry while I wait for a decision from the Home Office? In which case i might be sort of "covered" in the worst case scenario and still possibly reapply as a Married Partner if it comes to that?
Your opinions are very much welcome. Thank you.

[chriskv1]

Go ahead with your application . It will be a success. You can get married while you have an application under process they can't do anything to you.

[WideAwake]

Thanks for your reply Chris. I was actually reading one of your threads earlier and i realised youre in a similar situation but i didnt want to '"kidnap" your thread so i started a new one. That interview you had must have been pretty nerve-racking. Does you COA allow you to work in the meantime?

[vinny]

Does you COA allow you to work in the meantime?

Probably no.

[chriskv1]

Thanks for your reply Chris. I was actually reading one of your threads earlier and i realised youre in a similar situation but i didnt want to '"kidnap" your thread so i started a new one. That interview you had must have been pretty nerve-racking. Does you COA allow you to work in the meantime?

Sadly no.
I suggest you don't try to work either . Yes the interview was nerve racking and we were knackered after it . But we were glad to get it over with .
You have to figure out a way to support yourself and your family while the application is processed .

[WideAwake]

Does you COA allow you to work in the meantime?

Probably no.

Not the answer I was hoping for but thanks nonetheless. Your replies have been very therapeutic. With the new immigration bill looming, I suppose there isn't much to lose by applying early anyway. Would any benefits that my partner currently claims while she is on maternity leave, have a negative bearing on my application by any chance?
Also, even though it would seem more prudent to employ the services of a solicitor/professional, i'm currently not in the financial position to do so. Whats your opinion on doing the application all on my own without paying thousands i dont have? For example, how would I go about helping my partner exercise her treaty rights with respect to helping me stay with my family? Is it a form I have to fill or a letter I have to write?

[WideAwake]

Application sent :2nd July 2015 Thursday
Application received :3rd July 2015 Friday
Fee deducted :6th July 2015 Monday
COA without right to work dated :8th July 2015 Wednesday
Biometric signature letter dated :9th July 2015 Thursday
COA received :10th July 2015 Friday
Passports requested :10th July 2015 Friday
Biometric signature letter received :13th July 2015 Monday
Biometric form signed and posted :13th July 2015 Monday
Biometric form received by Homeoffice :14th July 2015 Tuesday
Biometric enrolment letter dated :20th July 2015 Monday
Fasting and praying :21st July 2015 Tuesday
Biometric enrolment letter received :22nd July 2015 Wednesday
Biometric enrolment done at post office :22nd July 2015 Wednesday
Fasting and praying :26th July 2015 Sunday
Progress of return of documents(ROD) enquiry form :30th July 2015 Thursday
Passports received :5th August 2015 Wednesday
Visit to registry for appointment to give notice of marriage :6th August 2015 Thursday
Marriage notice given :20th August 2015 Thursday
Letter from Homeoffice allowing marriage dated :25th August 2015 Tuesday
Letter from Homeoffice allowing marriage received :27th August 2015 Thursday
Fasting and praying :21st September 2015 Monday
Marriage :25th September 2015 Friday
Extra documents sent to Homeoffice :12th October 2015 Monday
Requested EU national's ID back :9th December 2015 Wednesday
Received documents back with letter approving application :23rd December 2015 Wednesday
Sent email enquiry about BRC :5th January 2016 Tuesday
Finally received residence card :7th January 2016 Thursday

No visits. No interviews. No calls from Home office. Did the application by myself with the help of The Almighty without a solicitor and got all my information from this forum by reading the EEA Application timeline thread from start to finish among many other related topics.
I missed out a page when filling out the original application form and got a letter reminding me to print and sign it and send it in so I did. Also managed to get married while my application was pending and sent in my marriage certificate among a couple of other supporting documents with a cover letter to add to my original unmarried partner application. Towards the end, I noticed a lot of applicants around the same time as me were all receiving their cards so I requested my wife's ID card in hopes of having my application attended to in case it was being ignored. I then received my documents back with the letter on the 10th working day after making that request. Again, I had to email the Home office about my card when I hadn't received it after 10 working days from when my approval letter was dated. Finally received my card today!
All glory be unto The Almighty Father for seeing me through this successfully. I wish everyone all the best and hope someone benefits from me sharing my experience same way i benefited from the experiences of others shared on this forum.