1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage

Hiding a First Marriage
Hiding a First Marriage

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com Guide

Answer

As to the legality of your marriage if you conceal your first marriage, it depends on the state where you want to get married. Many states have statements like this in their laws:

If, after a marriage has been solemnized, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics determines that the parties are not eligible to be married because the age or other requirements provided in this chapter are not satisfied, the state registrar may file an action in District Court to void the marriage.
Your marriage could be negatively impacted by the fact that you hid your previous marriage. Starting off a marriage with such an act of dishonesty is not a positive beginning.

Please don't lie to your fiancee. The truth will probably come out some day and most spouses would not respond well to such dishonesty.

Proceed to the next question.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This text should not be regarded as legal advice. Consult an attorney familiar with marriage and family law and your own personal circumstances for legal advice regarding providing false information on marriage license applications or invalid marriages.

Explore Marriage
About.com Special Features

Your last name may reveal a compelling story about your family history. More >

Is someone in your life passive aggressive? Find out why and how to handle it. More >

  1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage
  4. Build a Healthy Marriage
  5. Questions & Answers
  6. Legal Questions
  7. Hiding a First Marriage Answer>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.