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.
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
