In the UK. Can I be engaged to another whilst still married (pending divorce)?

Question

My marriage split 4 years ago, and I've been living with my current girlfriend for about 3 1/2 years. Legally, I'm still married. However, I want to propose to my GF.

Can I do this, without breaking any laws?

I've searched the net, and found diddly squat, to answer my question!

Answer 1

You are not breaking any law by getting engaged.
Hope she say's yes!

Answer 2

You may be engaged to another while married to the first, in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. And in every state of the USA and province of Canada.

So long as you do not deceive your betrothed in the matter, although the crime of seduction scarcely exists, and the cause of action for alienation of affections is pretty much gone too, also breach of promise -- and it's illegal even to try to bring a case for the latter in New York.

HOWEVER, you may not claim any entitlement to entry clearance for Britain while married to another ("visa for marriage) because UK immigration law specifically forbids polygamous immigration. (I have been trying for some time to get an admission that heads of State and diplomats are exempt, but nobody wants to address the issue.)

NOR may you seek authorisation to marry (give notice of impending marriage, have the banns posted) so long as your prior marriage subsists.

Engagement is, however, a personal matter. It is not binding in law. With your betrothed aware of your situation, it is presumably conditional on a divorce being finalised.

Have a look at http://www.match.com and http://www.jdate.com and see how many members have divorce pending or decree nisi. I attended a London wedding in April of a couple who met through such a site, the divorce happening about the same time as the engagement.

Answer 3

There are no laws or licences involved for engagement, just a ring you can be engaged to 10 woman at once whilst married if you want!

Answer 4

In the UK it is an offence to go through a ceremony of marriage whilst still being married to another, ie bigamy. Relax ur safe!

Answer 5

Engagement is fine...You haven't made any sort of legal commitment in the eyes of the law, you have only promised to marry your fiancee. Once your decree absolute arrives, then you are free to marry....good luck

Answer 6

I have done a thorough search for you and it appears to depend on whether you consider it to be a contract to marry.
If you do, this country will only allow one marriage contract, that contract must be annulled/divorce before another can be taken up.
But if it is just a ring you are after 'it is not a contract'
"Daddy Dave"

Answer 7

Yes, of course you can.
Engagement has no legal standing, it is simply a promise made between two people.
But get rid of your wife, otherwise your promise means diddly squat

Answer 8

Yes of course you can, as long as you don't marry her, an engagement is not legally binding...marriage is.
May affect your wife's grounds for divorce though!

Answer 9

Yes, you can. I feel for your wife, though... From the information you have given it looks as though you left her for your girlfriend. The divorce will be emotional for her - at least have the decency for her to get over that before annoucing your engagement!

Answer 10

wait till u get a full divorce then propose, u should have done that long time back why waiting for a full 3 1/2 years??????

Answer 11

You can become engaged but you obviously know you can not get married. You are not breaking any laws by becoming engaged.