skyrocketing stress

[hockeygal 0]

How important is the marriage license if you have a divorce decree?

He’s been divorced twice. We have certified copies of his marriage/divorce docs from first marriage, but only the certified copy of the second divorce decree. He was sure he had seen marriage license #2 in his papers, but now he can’t find it. To further complicate matters, he and the second wife had eloped to an area that straddles 2 states and didn’t do any of the paperwork themselves, so he remembers nothing. I’ve called one county and they did a state-wide search for it and found nothing. The other state county won’t tell me anything, and requires a notarized letter from him and a self addressed stamped envelope to even look. And a cheque too, of course. And we don't even know if it is in that county at all.... And I just got my interview date yesterday – Nov. 20.

Unfortunately, his next week, at least, is full of resigning from one job and preparing financial documents for another, so he’s not looking into this now and his own stress level is so high, I can’t push him.

Anyone had to track down a marriage certificate on short notice; or did anyone only have the divorce decree for the interview? It seems redundant to me to need a marriage license when you have proof positive there was a divorce. Hey, would the county that handled the divorce have a copy of the marriage license attached?

What if I forked over the cash required for those online background checks? Would they give me the details I need for the marriage licence... cert #, county, etc.? Anyone ever bought one? If it would, I'd pay. At least I'd have a starting point other than "south lake tahoe".

I hate that entire fiasco of a second marriage. It has been the pain in the @ss for 5 years re his lingering wounds from it, and now this.

[Neonred 3,454]

Stop stressing. You don't need the marriage license.

[payxibka 10,044]

How important is the marriage license if you have a divorce decree?

He’s been divorced twice. We have certified copies of his marriage/divorce docs from first marriage, but only the certified copy of the second divorce decree. He was sure he had seen marriage license #2 in his papers, but now he can’t find it. To further complicate matters, he and the second wife had eloped to an area that straddles 2 states and didn’t do any of the paperwork themselves, so he remembers nothing. I’ve called one county and they did a state-wide search for it and found nothing. The other state county won’t tell me anything, and requires a notarized letter from him and a self addressed stamped envelope to even look. And a cheque too, of course. And we don't even know if it is in that county at all.... And I just got my interview date yesterday – Nov. 20.

Unfortunately, his next week, at least, is full of resigning from one job and preparing financial documents for another, so he’s not looking into this now and his own stress level is so high, I can’t push him.

Anyone had to track down a marriage certificate on short notice; or did anyone only have the divorce decree for the interview? It seems redundant to me to need a marriage license when you have proof positive there was a divorce. Hey, would the county that handled the divorce have a copy of the marriage license attached?

What if I forked over the cash required for those online background checks? Would they give me the details I need for the marriage licence... cert #, county, etc.? Anyone ever bought one? If it would, I'd pay. At least I'd have a starting point other than "south lake tahoe".

I hate that entire fiasco of a second marriage. It has been the pain in the @ss for 5 years re his lingering wounds from it, and now this.

Is the marriage certificate on the list of required documents? I was under the impression that the marriage certificate was only required when trying to provide a bridge to name changes.

[hockeygal 0]

But the consulate said I did! It says so on the checklist, and because I thought it was dumb, I emailed to make sure it was needed in a divorce, and not just with a death certificate.

If they hadn't told me that, I wouldn't worry. I probably shouldn't have asked. Now they have an email on my file specifically telling me I need it.

Well, if it doesn't turn up, I will just present the divorce decree. What else can I do. Besides some relaxation meditation.

edited to add - if other people have had no problems without it, I will relax. This is what I was hoping to hear.

Edited October 25, 2006 by hockeygal

[Widge 0]

We did NOT need marriage certificates at any stage

We did need certified copies of all divorce decrees, RFE after NOA1 so as you have NOA2 already stop sweating it looks like your good to go

[payxibka 10,044]

But the consulate said I did! It says so on the checklist, and because I thought it was dumb, I emailed to make sure it was needed in a divorce, and not just with a death certificate.

If they hadn't told me that, I wouldn't worry. I probably shouldn't have asked. Now they have an email on my file specifically telling me I need it.

Well, if it doesn't turn up, I will just present the divorce decree. What else can I do. Besides some relaxation meditation.

Were they aware that the USC was a female and the beneficiary was male? They may have simply assumed something.

[hockeygal 0]

ok, it is good to know other people didn't need it. Maybe whoever answered my email was just being really particular.

If he turns it up in other searches, good, if not, well we have the divorce document... it at least proves he is free to marry.

[JenT 0]

We did NOT need marriage certificates at any stage

We did need certified copies of all divorce decrees, RFE after NOA1 so as you have NOA2 already stop sweating it looks like your good to go

Ahem... you will need a marriage certificate for the AOS...

[rebeccajo 14]

For whatever its worth...yes the courthouse in the county wherein he originally married should be able to provide a certified copy of the marriage license.

Just as they can provide a certified copy of the divorce decree.

[hockeygal 0]

For whatever its worth...yes the courthouse in the county wherein he originally married should be able to provide a certified copy of the marriage license.

Just as they can provide a certified copy of the divorce decree.

he was divorced in a different county. That one we know. I can't seem to find what county he got hitched in though and he has no idea. And not all counties will search for me unless he sends in a notarized written request etc. I'm not sure we have enough time for all of that... he's certainly not going to do anything about it this week anyway.