Q: Is it legal to be threatened w/harm to a person/family if she does not pay to get out of an arranged marriage?
She is 25 yrs old and came into this country on a visitor's visa, entered into an arranged marriage, and does not want to live with the man she 'married'. She feels her 'mother-in-law' is using her as a servant, among other issues. She is being forced to pay $30,000 in order to get out of this marriage w/o threatened harm to herself and/or her family in Tibet. She is afraid to come forward & report this. I feel she is being forced to comply through extortion. Can she be protected legally if she does not pay the agreed upon 'fee'?
A: I see no legal basis to support the demand for payment. She can file for divorce. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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