Hi everyone, I’m dealing with a pretty complicated divorce and need some advice about Georgia law. My ex and I are Indian citizens but got married in the US. Recently, I found out he married someone else here in Atlanta, GA, at a Hindu temple. It wasn’t registered legally, but I have pictures, the temple priest as a witness, and proof he was in the area (thanks to a tracker on his car and his bank statement). My attorney says it might not count as bigamy because it wasn’t a legal marriage. But does anyone know if Georgia law could still consider this bigamy? Should I even bother filing a police report? I’d really appreciate any advice from someone familiar with Georgia’s laws.
If there’s no legal marriage license, I don’t think it’ll be bigamy under Georgia law. But you could still pursue adultery in the divorce.
Francis said:
If there’s no legal marriage license, I don’t think it’ll be bigamy under Georgia law. But you could still pursue adultery in the divorce.
That’s what my attorney said too. But it feels so unfair when I have so much evidence, you know?
Francis said:
If there’s no legal marriage license, I don’t think it’ll be bigamy under Georgia law. But you could still pursue adultery in the divorce.
Yeah, totally get it. The system can be frustrating, but proving adultery could help in custody decisions.
Georgia law is pretty strict on bigamy, but without a marriage license, it’s a tough case. The religious ceremony alone might not be enough.
Kelsey said:
Georgia law is pretty strict on bigamy, but without a marriage license, it’s a tough case. The religious ceremony alone might not be enough.
Does that mean religious marriages never count as bigamy, even if there’s solid proof?
Kelsey said:
Georgia law is pretty strict on bigamy, but without a marriage license, it’s a tough case. The religious ceremony alone might not be enough.
Exactly. Bigamy requires a legal marriage under state law. Religious ones don’t hold up unless registered.
IDK, but if the priest is willing to testify, that’s pretty strong evidence. Couldn’t hurt to at least file a report?
Wren said:
IDK, but if the priest is willing to testify, that’s pretty strong evidence. Couldn’t hurt to at least file a report?
That’s what I’m debating. My attorney said police might not even take it seriously if it’s just a religious marriage.
Wren said:
IDK, but if the priest is willing to testify, that’s pretty strong evidence. Couldn’t hurt to at least file a report?
True, but filing creates a paper trail. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, it’s on record.
Your evidence sounds solid—pictures, a tracker, a witness. Even if it’s not bigamy, it could still help your case for custody.
Blayne said:
Your evidence sounds solid—pictures, a tracker, a witness. Even if it’s not bigamy, it could still help your case for custody.
Good point. I hadn’t thought about how it could help with custody. Thanks for that!
Blayne said:
Your evidence sounds solid—pictures, a tracker, a witness. Even if it’s not bigamy, it could still help your case for custody.
Yeah, adultery can weigh heavily in custody cases. Definitely worth bringing it up.
FYI, you should also look into harassment laws. If he’s trying to mess with your job and status, that’s another angle.
Gale said:
FYI, you should also look into harassment laws. If he’s trying to mess with your job and status, that’s another angle.
Oh wow, didn’t even think about that. Do you know if Georgia takes harassment cases seriously?
Gale said:
FYI, you should also look into harassment laws. If he’s trying to mess with your job and status, that’s another angle.
They do, especially if there’s evidence. Keep everything documented—emails, messages, whatever you’ve got.