Maybe there is a quicker way, but it will be expensive. First, the direct answer to your main question is how fast can you run to the marrying Sam and get hitched. You need either a license or the facts to support a confidential marriage but, if you can get the license in a day, you can get hitched the same day as the order is filed. Here is what you must do. If you have already submitted your marital settlement agreement and proposed judgment of dissolution and you are waiting, I would do this. Call the clerk's office. Ask to speak to the person who is reviewing your paperwork. This person is checking to make sure all the I's are dotted and the T's crossed. Ask for an estimate of when your paperwork will get to the top of the pile and explain why you are asking. If you receive an answer you do not like or not answer at all, then here is your next step. File a motion to bifurcate (means divide into two pieces) the issue of the marital status from the other issues in the case. In your paperwork, explain what is happening, when you submitted your agreement, when the wedding date is set and ask the court to conduct a hearing and give you the divorce now and deal with the other stuff (property, kids, support, attorney fees) later. In your case later could be just as soon as the court gets to it. Set your hearing date on the motion to bifurcate as soon as possible. Good luck and congratulations on your impending nuptials. Harry Roth Davis PS. It is not illegal to have a big ceremony and a reception for your friends and family and then quietly get "really" married at the courthouse later. As long as you don't actually file papers with the county, a ceremony is just a ceremony. It is not bigamy unless you pretend to be actually married.
Answered on Aug 17th, 2012 at 8:33 PM