How to get a divorce, if husband is not in the country?
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How to get a divorce, if husband is not in the country?
I was not aware that he was married at the time we got married. After we married his first wife passed away in a car wreck. We returned to his country to care of his kids, only to find out that he never divorced that wife. I am now told that he married again.
Asked on April 6, 2016 under Family Law, Tennessee
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The fact is that since your "husband" was married to another woman at the time of your "marriage", it was never legal. In other words, it is null and void. A divorce ends a valid marriage, since you never had one, divorce is not the correct option here. In fact, you could choose to do nothing as you are a single woman rights now. That having been said, in order to clarify your legal position, you may want to proceed forward with an annulment. Also, there are steps that can be taken when a spouse is in another country, and even if they cannot be located. You can google your state name and the words "divorce by publication" and "divorce by default"; this will provide you with more information. Since this can all get a bit complicated, you really should consider consulting directly with a local divorce attorney who also handles annulments. They can best advise you further.
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