Is My Out-of-State Marriage Valid in Chicago? Learn All About Foreign Marriages Under Illinois Marriage and Divorce Laws and Where You Can Go for Legal Help
There are a number of reasons that a Chicago couple may decide to get married out-of-state, or in a foreign country. From the fun and adventurous idea of eloping, to throwing a traditional cultural wedding overseas, to just plain having a destination wedding, indeed, not all married couples in the City of Chicago said their vows within the State of Illinois. However, after a Chicago married couple gets married out-of-state or overseas, they may wonder if their marriage will be valid when they return home. But are marriages that are performed out-of-state and overseas valid under Illinois laws? And where can couples in Chicago go for legal help with their marital matters, such as proving their foreign marriage is valid under Illinois marriage and divorce laws? We answer those questions here.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act: Proof of Foreign Marriage
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act governs marriage and divorces in Illinois and in the City of Chicago. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act establishes how marriages that were performed out of state or in another country outside of the United States can prove that their marriage is valid in Illinois. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states, “A marriage which may have been solemnized or had in any foreign state or country, may be proved by the acknowledgment of the parties, their cohabitation, and other evidence. Certified copies of records of a marriage performed in any foreign state or country obtained from an authorized state governmental unit, embassy, or consulate may be admitted as an exception to the hearsay rule.” Simply put, under The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, a marriage that was performed overseas or in another state is typically deemed to be valid in Chicago (and throughout Illinois), if it was legally performed in the jurisdiction where the marriage took place. Certified copies of a marriage certificate, along with other supporting evidence, may be required to prove the validity of the out-of-state or overseas marriage. Of course, if you and your spouse need legal help with proving the validity of your out-of-state or overseas marriage in Chicago, it is best to speak with an experienced Chicago family lawyer as soon as possible about your specific case.
Getting Legal Help with Your Chicago Family Law Case – Chicago Family Lawyer
If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your family law or marriage and divorce law issues, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Chicago family lawyer about your case today. The experienced Chicago family lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help individuals and couples in Chicago with their complex family law issues. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced lawyer about your case today. Contact the Chicago family lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC to discuss your case now.
