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Divorce
What do I do if I just found out that my husband was never divorced from first wife?

What do I do if I just found out that my husband was never divorced from first wife?

Q: Can you avoid being served divorce papers?

While you cannot legally avoid being served divorce papers indefinitely, some individuals attempt to evade service. Courts generally require that the other party be notified of the divorce proceedings. If you are concerned about being served, consult with an attorney to understand your rights and obligations.

Q: What happens if a spouse refuses to be served divorce papers?

If a spouse refuses to be served divorce papers, the filing spouse can request alternative service methods from the court. This may include serving the papers through publication or by certified mail, depending on state laws. It's important to consult with a family law attorney to navigate this process effectively.

Full question:

I currently found out that my husband for the past 14 months has just filed for absolute divorce from his first wife. What does that entail? What am I suppose to do? Are him and I legally married, though we were married in another state? Would I have to divorce or legally separate from him in another manner?

Category: Divorce
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maryland

Answer:

Please see the information at the following links:

http://www.divorcenet.com/states/maryland/mdfaq_03

http://definitions.uslegal.com/b/bigamy/

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

What happens if my spouse refuses to be served in divorce?

If your spouse refuses to be served with divorce papers, you can still proceed with the divorce. Most states allow you to serve them through alternative methods, such as publication in a newspaper or by mail, after demonstrating that you made reasonable efforts to serve them personally. However, the specific rules vary by state, so it's important to consult with a family law attorney to understand your options.

What to do if you find out your husband is already married?

If you discover that your husband is already married, it's crucial to seek legal advice immediately. You may be in a situation of bigamy, which is illegal in most states. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider annulment or divorce. Consulting with a family law attorney can help clarify your legal rights and options.

Can you avoid being served divorce papers?

What happens if a spouse refuses to be served divorce papers?

Can you date after divorce is filed?

Yes, you can date after divorce papers are filed. However, it's wise to consider the emotional implications and how it may affect the divorce proceedings. If you are in a state that recognizes fault in divorce, dating before the divorce is finalized could potentially impact the outcome. Consult with an attorney for guidance based on your specific situation.

What are the 3 C's of divorce?

The 3 C's of divorce typically refer to Communication, Compromise, and Cooperation. These principles emphasize the importance of open dialogue, finding middle ground, and working together to resolve issues during the divorce process. Applying these concepts can lead to a more amicable separation and can be beneficial, especially if children are involved.