What to do if your married to a person for 12 years and then find out that person may still be married to their first spouse?
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What to do if your married to a person for 12 years and then find out that person may still be married to their first spouse?
What are the legal issues involved?
Asked on November 8, 2010 under Family Law, Iowa
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Well, bigamy is a big legal issue here for him. It is a criminal charge. As for your marriage, it is void if he is still married to another person. That would have an effect on how you hold assets as houses held by spouses often have rights of survivorship but joint tenants do not have the same right unless it i specifically states. If you have children they are technically born out of wedlock. And bank accounts do not necessarily revert to you should he die. His half may go to the first wife. I would seek legal help in this matter a soon as you can. You need to protect yourself and your assets here as well as your children and their peace of mind. Good luck.
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