Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I was divorced in Japan via a ward office divorce based on mutual agreement from my Japanese wife who is a Japanese citizen in October 2009. I want to know if Massachusetts recognizes this divorce and can I be considered divorced in the US? I need to know how I should file my 2009 US taxes based on your answer.


Asked on 2/25/10, 4:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

If the divorce is recognized under Japanese Law then under the treaties with Japan it will be recognized by the US government. You do not say where you were married, but that should not matter as long as you resided with your wife long enough in Japan for Japan to have jurisdiction over the marriage under their laws.

For tax purposes you will be deemed divorced, However, if you go to remarry, you might need what is called an Apostile copy the Divorce Decree to get a new marriage license.

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Answered on 3/02/10, 4:31 pm
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

excellent answer.

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Answered on 3/03/10, 8:56 am


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