I'll Have Two Of Everything

After reading about the adventures of Angela Kelly, I'm wondering if divorce actions and their records in Great Britain differ markedly from those in the U.S.

The sad tale began in 1996 when Angela married Robert Atkinson. In 2001, they separated and each entered into new romantic relationships.

Despite the absence of records showing that this marriage was legally dissolved, in 2005 Angela married Gary Stockdale at St. George's Church in the United Kingdom. Apparently the first husband, Atkinson, complained that there was no divorce and police started an investigation.

Since Angela could not come up with the divorce decree, called a decree absolute, bigamy charges were filed. The Crown prosecuting attorney presented evidence that Atkinson attempted to contact Angela to start divorce proceedings since he had a new partner. Nothing happened regarding a divorce. The Prosecutor considers Angela and Atkinson still legally married.

To add further to the confusion, Kelly, in preparing for her 2005 wedding, worked with two vicars at the church who requested a decree absolute, but none was produced. In 2006, police twice asked for the decree, but Kelly could not come up with the document.

I can't understand why the Prosecutor could not research court records to see if a case was filed. If divorce papers were filed, they may not have been processed fully to a divorce decree. In the U.S. there would be no problem tracing legal papers filed in a courthouse. If a divorce decree existed, it would be found.

It appears that unless the state or Angela can find a divorce decree, she will be convicted of bigamy. She knew — or should've known — that she was still married. Until then, the trial continues.

Click here to read more.