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Marriage
Am I legally married if my spouse was already married?

Am I legally married if my spouse was already married?

Q: What is it called when you remarry without getting a divorce?

Remarrying without obtaining a divorce from a previous spouse is called bigamy. Bigamy is illegal in all U.S. states and can lead to criminal charges. If you find yourself in this situation, it's crucial to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options for resolving the matter.

Q: Can you marry a second wife without the first knowing?

No, marrying a second wife without the first wife's knowledge is considered bigamy, which is illegal in all states. Such a marriage is not legally valid, and the first marriage must be dissolved through divorce before entering into a new marriage. Legal advice is essential to navigate these complex situations.

Q: What happens if you get married and not divorced?

If you marry while still legally married to another person, the second marriage is generally considered void. This means it has no legal effect, and you may face legal consequences such as charges of bigamy. It is important to finalize any previous marriages through divorce before entering into a new one to avoid these issues.

Full question:

I married a man not knowing he was still married to his first wife are my legally married to this man?

Category: Marriage
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Virginia

Answer:

Under Virginia law, it is illegal to marry someone who is already married. This situation can be grounds for annulment, meaning the marriage can be declared void by the court. An annulment is a legal decree stating that a marriage was never valid, effectively nullifying it as if it never existed. Generally, the length of time married does not affect the ability to request an annulment. Simply regretting the marriage is not enough for an annulment.

Fraud or coercion is a valid reason for annulment if one party's consent to marriage was obtained through deceit or pressure, and if the parties have not lived together as husband and wife after discovering the fraud. Past cases of annulment based on fraud include situations where a prior marriage was undisclosed.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can you divorce your husband without him knowing?

In most cases, you cannot finalize a divorce without notifying your spouse. Courts typically require that both parties are aware of the divorce proceedings. However, in certain situations, such as if you cannot locate your spouse, you may be able to pursue a divorce by publication, where the notice is published in a newspaper. It's important to consult with a legal professional to understand your options and the specific requirements in your state.

What is it called when you remarry without getting a divorce?

Can you marry a second wife without the first knowing?

What happens if you get married and not divorced?

What happens if you get married without getting divorced?

Getting married without first obtaining a divorce from a previous spouse results in a void marriage, meaning it is legally invalid. This can lead to serious legal issues, including potential criminal charges for bigamy. It is crucial to ensure that any prior marriage is legally dissolved before remarrying to avoid complications.