URGENT information re. DIVORCE required

[Wave Rider]

Can anyone please help me with information regarding the legalities/practicalities of obtaing a divorce within the UK from a marriage made between two UK citizens in the Dominican Republic during 1996.

The marriage certificate is in Spanish (never translated or subsequently logged/registered in UK)

1) Although the marriage is legal as far as UK law is concerned, can a divorce be obtained under UK law when the marriage was not registered in the UK?

2) Would it mean a divorce would have to be heard in the DR and if so would that mean that one party would have to be present in the DR to obtain it, provided (under DR law) both parties are consenting to it?

In short, hubby wants a divorce, I don't - can he obtain one in the UK or can I hope that it will fall under DR law and I can prevent him, by refusing my consent?

Many thanks in anticipation of some much needed and accurate information folks!

[Lapurr]

I think if your hubby wants a Divorce- you should grant him one!

[Matilda]

I am not sure, but I think if the marriage was not registered in the UK then you are not legally married in the UK. You need to check with a lawyer there. If you go to the registry of births, marriages and deaths then of course they will have no record of you being married, so if you are not married then how can you get divorced?

If he wants to get divorced and you don't then under UK law he has to divorce you for adultery or unreasonable behaviour or wait 5 years. But again you would probably know that better than me as I have been away from UK for a while.

Your best bet is to contact a solicitor.

Good luck

Matilda

[suarezn]

Originally Posted by Lapurr

I think if your hubby wants a Divorce- you should grant him one!

I agree...Why can't people just move on with their lives...

[Wave Rider]

It's all too easy to make flippant and arrogant remarks without being in full possession of all facts and background to the case.

For a number or reasons, not least two young children, I don't wish to divulge more on a public messageboard.

I'd much prefer replies from folk that have some knowledge/experience of the questions I've asked, rather than those who would appear too have a little too much time on their hands, and/or take delight in responding with opinion rather than fact.

On that basis, grateful thanks to Anna and Matilda for your constructive replies thus far.

[Lapurr]

How are those remarks remotely arrogant? short and to the point more like it, becasue your post was so vague, it's obvious,you want him.. and he doesnt want you!!
How can you force someone to stay with you if they clearly DO NOT want to?

Having said that...I hope your Hubby finds a way out!!

[Wave Rider]

My original post could only be descibed as vague by those wishing to respond with 'short and to the point' replies that are neither construtive, well thought out, or in the remotest way relevant to the questions I'm trying to get answered.

As for your assumptions regarding my situation, you only go further in portraying your ignorance, and lack of thought before posting irrelevant responses.

I do not wish am important thread on a message board to become a source for your own self-importance. Please don't bother continuing unless you have anything sensible to add - which I somewhat doubt.

To all the other folk out there - particularly the ex-pat Brits - grateful thanks for your messages of support and information to date, although I still require clear clarification of the questions I've asked.

Many Thanks!

[AnnaC]

I think people need to remember that the legal forum is for legal type questions and as much as well meaning people think they are being they should not give out personal opinions. If the OP wants relationship advice then we would move the question elsewhere.

If you don't know the answer to the question asked it's best not to reply at all.


I sent the OP a pm answering her questions because I didn't know the answer the the UK side of things but thank you Matilda for helping out.

For the benefit of others, a quickie divorce in the DR would require the consent of the other spouse and one of the spouses would have to travel to the DR.

This is how to answer questions in the legal forum.

To the OP, you do not need to explain anything to anyone.

[Lapurr]

Wave Rider you are right and I apologise, I know nothing about Divorce and i will stay out of it, as a gesture of kindness all i can do is help research, But i would not want to give you any wrong info, so now i understand your question and why you need to have it first hand from someone that has had the experience.

Good Luck,

this is what i found from a google search!

When you get married in a foreign country. Then you need to get a notarized translation of your foreign marriage certificate into English language. And then you need to register the original and the translated marriage certificate at the British Embassy or Consulate in the country where you got married.

Once you do this. Then your foreign marriage is officially recognized in UK. And then you can get divorced in UK just like anybody else.

But if you get divorced in UK. Then your divorce won't be automatically recognized in the country where you got married. To get your divorce officially recognized there. You need to get a notarized translation of your divorce certificate into the official language of that country. And you need to register your divorce certificate at the Embassy of that country in UK.

[DQ2U2]

Dear Wave Runner....

This is just a thought...

It wouldnt be the first time a marriage was never recorded in the DR....

Are you even sure that your marriage is in fact legit anywhere...

good luck... I hear you on the not wanting a divorce... long term marriages are work... and go through many periods of growth... you are not DATING...you are MARRIED...

I hope things work out for you both.

D