How can I re-marry if I don’t know where my husband is?
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How can I re-marry if I don’t know where my husband is?
I am married to an Hispanic man who is not a US citizen; he doesn’t even have a SSN. We are seperated and he split and either left state or went back to Mexico. Anyway, I am unable to get a divorce at this time. Would I get into trouble or have any problems if I marry my current fiancé?
Asked on July 30, 2015 under Family Law, Tennessee
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You can only legally remarry once you are divorced; if you do so without being divorced you will be committing the crime of bigamy. In a situation such as this, your missing spouse must still be "served" with notice of the divorce action before it can proceed. This is accomplished by what is called a "divorce by publication".
In most jurisdictions, the filing spouse (i.e. "petitioner") must make a genuine effort to find their missing spouse (i.e. "respondent"). They will have to present proof to a court that they made every effort to search for and find them.
At that point, the petitioner will be allowed to serve the repondent by publishing notice of the divorce in a newspaper (the judge will instruct you which paper(s) to use).
In most states, the respondent has 30-60 days to file an answer after the first day of publication. If they fail to respond within that timeframe, the petitioner can file a request to enter a "default dissolution" of the marriage (i.e. divorce). Generally it is granted upon the terms that the petitioner requests, such as alimony and child support (although the respondent is given a certain time in which they can appeal the divorce or its terms).
At this point you should consult with a local divorce attorney in your area. They can best advise you further as to specific state law.
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