Monday, November 7, 2011

DOES MY FIANCE’S WIFE HAVE GROUNDS TO SUE FOR POLYGAMY?

QUESTION: My fiance and I recently had a commitment ceremony in Mexico. His divorce is not finalized yet, so we did not file paperwork of any kind. We only held was looked like a wedding (dress, flowers, pictures, etc). Now my partners soon-to-be ex-wife if claiming she will sue us for polygamy, and that our "wedding photo" is proof. We are filing our taxes as single, not claiming marriage status with work or for benefits. We are only living together and wearing wedding rings. Does she have any grounds to sue for polygamy? Have we done anything illegal?

MY RESPONSE:
What you did is not illegal. You only went through a "commitment" ceremony, not a wedding. There is no private lawsuit or remedy for polygamy or bigamy in California. Whereas the "wedding rings" and the "wedding photo" may be problematic, inasmuch as you didn't actually marry your partner, and you didn't get a marriage license, your risk of being prosecuted by the state or county for bigamy (or polygamy) is practically nonexistent. After your partner's divorce Judgment has been entered, you can get married to him.


This educational blog is brought to you by DONALD F. CONVISER, an effective and aggressive Los Angeles Family Law Attorney and Divorce Lawyer serving clients in the courts of Los Angeles and Ventura County for over 35 years,owner of Warner Center Law Offices, with offices in Woodland Hills and Century City. Call 888.632.4447 or 818.880.8990 for a free confidential consultation with a Certified Family Law Specialist to discuss your divorce or family law issues. | www.conviser.net | www.conviserfamilylaw.com |

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