Is a default divorce honored out of state?
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Is a default divorce honored out of state?
My wife filed for a divorce and was awarded it by default. Is it honored in the state where I live?
Asked on January 4, 2012 under Family Law, Florida
Answers:
Stephanie Squires / SquiresLegal Services
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
A valid judgment from one state is valid in all states. If your wife was granted a divorce in state 1, even if you live in state 50, then you are divorced. Each of our states, while having some different laws, will honor court rulings from other states. Some court rulings are automatic - such as divorce status. Other rulings require that the person wanting to enforce the court ruling file a "sister state judgment" so that the ruling can be enforced in the other state. For example - your wife filed for and was granted a divorce in state 1, you live in state 50. You are legally divorced, no matter what state you live in. But, if in the divorce she was awarded money or cars or furniture that you have in your possession, she may have to file the judgment from state 1 to enforce it (get the money, cars, etcc.) from you in state 50.
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