HI,

I have a couple marrying in December, but the groom, who was divorced overseas many years ago, is having difficulty getting hold of divorce papers. I have tried contacting the Attorney General's departament for advice, in the event that he can't get any paperwork, but they just said that he needs make every effort to get his papaers and they don't give legal advice individual cases - so if they can't advice me, what am I supposed to do? That was the sum total of the departments assitance.
There must be many people divorced overseas in this situation, what do we do?
Thanks, Emma.

Hi Emma

My suggestion is that you check with the Family Law Court to find out the process whereby the gentleman can get a determination of his marital status. He may need a solicitor, but the Family Court should be able to provide that information too.

National Enquiry Centre

The National Enquiry Centre (NEC) is the entry point for all telephone and email enquiries on Family Law Court matters (Federal Magistrates Court and Family Court of Australia)
Opening Hours:8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Contact Details:
Phone: 1300 352 000 (except WA)*for individuals living in WA contact the Family Court of Western Australia
Email: enquiries@familylawcourts.gov.au
Fax: 02 8892 8585

Another option is to contact your State's Registry of Birth Deaths and Marriages and ask to speak with the Registrar or a Senior Official that looks after registration of marriages for their advice.

As the celebrant in this case, it will be important for you to put the onus on the gentleman to sort this difficulty out. You risk losing your appointment if
* you are not provided with the documentary evidence you need or
* a statement from the Family Court that the gentleman is free to marry, or
* have clear guidance from your BDM as to your position in this matter

Kind regards
Rona

Rona, Thank you very much for your assistance. I'll persue these avenues.

Hi Emma

These are the sorts of questions that ACCN members ask in the ACCN Members Only Forums. I do not claim to be an expert in offering some solutions, nor does any other celebrant.

However becoming a member of our Network, or joining a celebrant association is the best way to gain support for yourself as a celebrant.

That way you pay a fee like everyone else to have the benefit of being linked with a larger number of celebrants with a range of experiences, who may have come across a problem like yours.

"The old 400 heads are better than one".

The ACCN membership starts at $ 49.50 pa - less than a cup of coffee a fortnight

The ACCN provides a range of services .. group insurance, group copyright insurance, group membership of the Womens Network Australia, access to Members Only Information, Celebrant Shop Discounts and more.

But you only pay for what you need or want.

It is well worth the investment even for one year to see what the ACCN has to offer.

Cheers
Rona