What does the law say about Bigamy?

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my husband married me, knowing he was still married to his second wife. What are my rights?

Attorney Answers

3
Gregg Woodnick ·
Arizona's law talks in terms of void and voidable marriages. You may need to consider filing for an annulment. (Arizona Revised Statutes 25-301) If you have amassed assets and debts during the marriage, they can be resolved through a Decree of Annulment. If you had a child, you will need a paternity and child support orders. If you are interested in staying with him, you need to get him divorced from the prior wife. Once that occurs you should re-marry him just to make sure everything is appropriately documented and in the event issues arise in the future. (E.g. Social Security benefits.) I am not sure this is something you should undertake without representation. See: http://woodnicklaw.wordpress.com/2011/08/19/is-a-do-it-yourself-divorce-right-for-me/
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Daniel Riley ·
Mr. Woodnick's answer is absolutely correct. I just want to add one thing. The difference between a "void" and "voidable" marriage is important. A void marriage is one that has no legal affect. A voidable marriage is one that can be annulled, but until then, you are legally married. You should consult with an attorney to find out whether your marriage is void or voidable. As a side note, you should be aware that your husband may have committed a felony by marrying you. Bigamy is illegal in Arizona under ARS 13-3606.
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Brian Kelly ·
You can divorce him or actually have your marriage declared void.
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