My name is Helen. my boyfriend is U.S. Citizen, I am not.
We are going to get married, but before he has to get divorsed with
his previous wife. My question is how soon after his divorse we can
get married? is it possible to do it sooner in another state?

---

Request for Question Clarification by byrd-ga on 06 Jan 2006 06:22 PST

Different states do have different laws about this, and the first
commenter below is wrong. For instance, in Texas, the law requires a
person to wait 30 days after a divorce becomes final before that
person is free to remarry. If you will let us know which state you are
in, someone may be able to provide you with a reference to the law of
that state.

Regards
Byrd-ga

I'm pretty sure the moment the divorce is official, you are free to
hitch up.  There may be a few weird states, but mostly you should be
able to do it right away.

NO, you absolutely have to wait.
Is your visa situation clear?  You don't have to reply, I just wanted
to raise the question since we see so many questions about visas here.

The correct answer is:

You will need to contact the appropriate government office in your
state, and ask them what the rules are in your state.

I do think most states do have a waiting period, but to generalize is a mistake.

Ask.

In Iowa, for example, the place to call is Marriage license department
of the county offices.
***
Another issue here is you need to consider exactly what sort of man
you will be marrying, since while still legally married, he was with
another woman.  I do not desire to offend here, but this is something
individuals do not often stop to consider.  "The dog that has bit will
bite again."

A year's wait might not be a bad idea, you might see something there
before it is too late, which is probably the reason those delay  laws
were passed.

This is a real good time to seek counseling, to answer such questions
such as whether you deserve someone better.  (Note that my opinion
would be the same for man or woman.)  If you get the right husband, it
will be for life. If you get the wrong one because you think that is
the best you can do, it won't last long.