Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
Bigamy
I committed bigamy.
I was married in 1967 in PA.
I married another women in 1999.
My first wife is my legal wife.
What does the second need to do.
Get the second marrage nulled.
Does she change her name back.
Can she put me in jail.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Bigamy
You asked about the issues surrounding bigamy.
Both you and your second "wife" need to hire a separate lawyer.
The second marriage is technically void. But she can seek to gain equitable division of assets based on the fraud (every asset from cash and property through to Social Security and retirement funds). Also, she can claim fraud and seek damages in addition to division of the assets. The marriage does not need to be annulled as it isn't legal. But the state's records do need to be corrected. And yes, she can change her name back if she wants, but she need not do so.
As to jail. It is a distinct possibility. Bigamy is a crime and does have both civil and criminal repercussions.
As I said, you both NEED to have SEPARATE attorneys to unwind the "marriage" and come up with a resolution that makes her happy and keeps you 1) out of jail and 2) out of the poorhouse.
Good luck,
Roger
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