Why was I told to wait 2 yrs before divorcing my Dominican husband?

awilliams · #1 02-02-2009, 12:31 AM

Hello All,

I had married a dominicano on Feb 17, 2007. I returned to America 2 wks after getting married to him. Naturally, I found out that he was a sanky, and that I was either wife #1 or 2 out of his 3. I chose to end my marriage to him, but various attorneys had told me that it would be best to wait until we were married for 2 yrs before getting a divorce. At the time, I was in an emotional turmoil, in disbelief and in a lot of pain, so I don't recall the reasons for having to wait. I remember something like "the reason for the divorce would be listed as irreconcilable differences until the 2 yr mark." I also thought they insinuated that it'd be cheaper, as well. I am no longer bitter and upset. I just chalk it up to an expensive, lengthy learning experience, and just want to be completely free of him. But what was the significance of the 2 yr wait? Thank you for your help in advance! =)

Happily in the States!

A

awilliams · #2 02-02-2009, 03:30 AM

To clarify, I should not have said, "naturally, he was a sanky." It's just that he worked at a resort and was the typical worker there, although I'm told that not ALL resort workers are sankies.

AnnaC · #3 02-02-2009, 09:37 AM

Were these American attorneys? Maybe you should call one back and ask what the reason was again.

If you are still waiting maybe a quick Dominican divorce is the answer.

awilliams · #4 02-02-2009, 10:53 AM

They were Dominican attorneys. I talked to a total of 4. Pehaps I WILL call down there again to find out why. Meanwhile, I'll check out the link you posted. Thank you!

SosuaJoe · #5 02-02-2009, 01:31 PM

In case no one else thinks to say it -- sorry to hear about your experience. As much as you may look back and think about all the things you 'should have known' or 'should have done', you went with your heart and gave love a chance. As it happened, you picked the wrong guy, but there's no shame in that. I hope the next guy turns out to be the one.

awilliams · #6 02-02-2009, 09:28 PM

Thank you, SosuaJoe! That is extremely kind of you! At least I discovered within my self that I could make a normal marriage work since I gave it a sincere effort right up until a kind, anonymous person slipped me a photo of his marriage to the person after me. I was already living in Puerto Plata as he had asked. I still love the country and my new friends there, in spite of him! =)

Arrica · #7 02-02-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awilliams

...until a kind, anonymous person slipped me a photo of his marriage to the person after me...

If I understand correctly what you are writing, your husband married another woman, while he was/is still married to you. I stand to be corrected, but under US-law and I believe also Dominican law, bigami is illegal. Hence, you would have all rights to pursue legal action and -compensation- for the wrongdoing, not the least the expenses incurred of your marriage ordeal - assuming that he has any financial means, that is.

AnnaC · #8 02-02-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrica

If I understand correctly what you are writing, your husband married another woman, while he was/is still married to you. I stand to be corrected, but under US-law and I believe also Dominican law, bigami is illegal. Hence, you would have all rights to pursue legal action and -compensation- for the wrongdoing, not the least the expenses incurred of your marriage ordeal - assuming that he has any financial means, that is.

We've already had this discussion with her What can I do when I find out my husband has 1 or 2 more wives?

Arrica · #9 02-03-2009, 09:39 PM

Anna,
Thanks - good that someone has the institutional memory.

Alfredo Guzman · #10 02-03-2009, 10:59 PM

The two year requirement applies only for regular mutual consent divorces (not to be confused with Dominican Quick Divorces, which are only available for foreigners or Dominicans with legal residence abroad). You could perfectly file for a for-cause divorce (incompatibility of characters, etc...) in the meantime, but as the consulted attorneys mentioned, it would cost you more than the mutual consent option.