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Can a non-US citizen marry again abroad without facing bigamy charges?

Can a non-US citizen marry again abroad without facing bigamy charges?

Q: Can you get married in another country and still be legally married in the US?

Yes, you can get married in another country while still being legally married in the U.S., but this can lead to legal issues such as bigamy. If your first marriage is still valid, you should obtain a divorce before marrying again, as the U.S. may not recognize the second marriage if the first is still active.

Q: Do I have to register my marriage in the US if I get married abroad?

If you get married abroad, you generally do not need to register your marriage in the U.S. However, it's important to ensure that your marriage is legally valid in the country where it took place. Some states may require you to file a copy of your foreign marriage certificate for legal purposes.

Q: Are you legally married if you get married in a different country?

Yes, if you get married in a different country, you are legally married as long as the marriage complies with the laws of that country. However, to avoid issues such as bigamy, ensure that any previous marriages have been legally dissolved before remarrying.

Full question:

Can a non-US citizen married in the US (L.A.) marry again outside the US, (i.e. Europe) without being held liable for bigamy? Assuming that the marriage in the US is still legal.

Category: Marriage
Subcategory: Unlawful
Date: 04/07/2025
State: National

Answer:

Generally, marriages are valid if they are legally performed in the country where they take place. However, the recognition of a foreign marriage can vary by country. To avoid potential bigamy charges, it is advisable to obtain a divorce from the first marriage before remarrying.

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 get married twice without a divorce?

In the U.S., you cannot legally marry someone while still being married to another person. Doing so can lead to bigamy charges, which is illegal. To marry again, you must first obtain a legal divorce from your current spouse. This ensures that your new marriage is valid and recognized under the law.

Can you get married in another country and still be legally married in the US?

What marriages are not recognized in the US?

Marriages that are not legally valid in the jurisdiction where they occurred may not be recognized in the U.S. This includes marriages involving bigamy, marriages between close relatives, or those that do not meet the legal requirements of the state where the marriage is intended to be recognized. Always check local laws for specifics.