Is an international marriage valid?
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Is an international marriage valid?
I am a USA citizen who married a Brazilian citizen in Bolivia 5 years ago. The long distance relationship only lasted a year, we never lived together, nothing. For the past 4 years I lost complete contact with her last I knew she moved back to Brazil. I have been in a relationship for the past 3 years and we want to marry. Is that marriage that as done in Bolivia legally valid in the US since no paperwork was ever done in the US? If so, how do I go about disolving that marriage so I can legally remarry when I have no contact with the other party?
Asked on June 29, 2012 under Family Law, Illinois
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Under the laws of all states in the United States IF you were validly married in another country, then that marriage is legally recognized in the United States.
If you wish to marry the person who you are now with, you need to locate the person who you are married to and serve her with a summons and complaint to dissolve your marriage. You can file this petition in the county and state in this country where you reside. I suggest that you consult further with a family law attorney to assist you in getting your marriage from your Bolivian wife dissolved.
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