Q: How do I know if I am actually divorced?
I got married in Florida in July 2005 after knowing my exhusband for only three months. After we were married I learned he is a criminal, has mental issues, and he became very abusive. He spent the majority of our marriage in and out of Jail & mental hospitals. I left multiple times but he would somehow always find me, but finally was able to fully escape from him in January 2008. From what I understood, he filed for divorce or had our marriage annulled - as he believed our marriage was invalid - sometime in 2009 in my absence. I have not had contact with him since then and do not want my former abuser having any contact. I reverted to my maiden name, have bought property, and lived as single for 15 years. However, I cannot find record of the divorce/annulment. He may have filed in florida or another state. I am unable to get a passport without this proof. Do I need to file for divorce again in his absence? Will that affect the properties purchased as I already thought I was?
A: You may want to hire a private investigator for this. If the divorce happened in Florida then you should be able to find a record of it. If it in fact never happened then you can file a divorce now. In the final judgment you will need to include that he has no legal rights to any of your property. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
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