If a non-citizen gets married in the US, do any of the laws of theirhome country still apply?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If a non-citizen gets married in the US, do any of the laws of theirhome country still apply?

My fiance and I are planing to get married in Chicago this year. We are both 20 now which is legal to get married in Chicago. I am a U.S. citizen but my fiance is neither a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and he does not reside in U.S. I was planing to apply for Fiancé Visa, so my fiance can come to get married and then become a permanent resident. But the problem is in my fiance’s country, male must be over 23 to get married. Does it matter? Can we get married this year?

Asked on July 1, 2011 under Family Law, Illinois

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

My gut reaction to all of this is of course the marriage here is legal.  The marriage is governed by the laws of the country in which the marriage is performed.  Here in the Untied States it is legal for those over the age of 18 to get married without the consent of any other party (such as parents). As for whether it would be recognized in his country as legal that is another story.  It should be but if it is claimed that you did not get married there because of the law and attempted to circumvent it by marrying in the US  - not really what I think is happening - then they may give you trouble if you go back there.  You are a US Citizen and he is going to stay here and apply for a green card, correct?  Then I would consult with an attorney on the matter sooner rather than later.  Good luck to you.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption