Wife never divorced me and have been living seperate for over 10 years...

[otto77]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

This is a long story, but I'll try to speed it up.

Got married in '99 in Washington State, she left me and moved to California, I went back to NY. I was told by her that we were divorced, but I didn't sign anything, which was strange. She got a marriage license in Vegas with some guy in 2001, so I really thought the divorce was good.

I'm getting married again next March and found my "ex" online and asked her if she could tell me what the case # was for our divorce to I could present it when I get my new marriage license in March. She tells me that we are not divorced after all. I am really confused about this, and asked her how she was able to remarry. She said she didn't remarry, "not legally" anyway, was what she said. She also has 2 children that aren't mine.

Now, I know I need to get a divorce, but what should I do? I have spent the past 10 years getting things right in my life and am on the verge of a panic attack finding this out. Any help with be appreciatedWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

This is a long story, but I'll try to speed it up.

Got married in '99 in Washington State, she left me and moved to California, I went back to NY. I was told by her that we were divorced, but I didn't sign anything, which was strange. She got a marriage license in Vegas with some guy in 2001, so I really thought the divorce was good.

I'm getting married again next March and found my "ex" online and asked her if she could tell me what the case # was for our divorce to I could present it when I get my new marriage license in March. She tells me that we are not divorced after all. I am really confused about this, and asked her how she was able to remarry. She said she didn't remarry, "not legally" anyway, was what she said. She also has 2 children that aren't mine.

Now, I know I need to get a divorce, but what should I do? I have spent the past 10 years getting things right in my life and am on the verge of a panic attack finding this out. Any help with be appreciatedWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

A divorce attorney would be a good place to start.

 

[mistoffolees]

First, take a deep breath. You have 10 months to get things straightened out - and that should be plenty. Your ex is the one who could be in trouble - and she may be very reasonable in working with you to get the divorce so that she doesn't get charged with bigamy (if she actually did get married).

You're lucky that you're in IL since it is an equitable distribution state. That means that the court will take into account all the facts before deciding on property division - so anything you accumulated since separating should remain yours.
http://www.illinoisdivorce.com/family_law_articles/divorce_property_division_illinois.php

You should go see an attorney to find out how to get a divorce finalized.

 

[otto77]

I'm a full time student with a part time job. Really freaking out about how much an attorney will cost. Can barely make it as is.

 

[Zigner]

More importantly, the OP needs to see an attorney with regards to the possibility that the OP has two children, legally speaking.

 

[Isis1]

More importantly, the OP needs to see an attorney with regards to the possibility that the OP has two children, legally speaking.

yuuupp! thats not good.

ten years?? man. that's a long time to ignore this problem.

 

[mistoffolees]

More importantly, the OP needs to see an attorney with regards to the possibility that the OP has two children, legally speaking.

Good point.