traditional versus court marriage

[godisgood74 3]

Hello good VJ,

I need some answers and advice please, Me and my wife dated for almost 4 years before we get married and at the time we live in the same country until 2006 when i came to USA, we get married (traditional) on 2008 without my presence, in my culture as long as the both families agrees your relationships both families can come together and performs all necessary rites and that's what I did 2008 all my family were present at the ceremony, and it was such a great occasion when I watch the video and the pictures. I went back home 2009 to be with her and we went to court to officially register our marriage but we didn't do any ceremony or party after the court marriage since is already been done in 2008. The question is, the only picture that we have together were the pictures at the court ceremony with a few family member that were invited since i didn't want to have more people attending at that time. Can I write a letter and explain the whole thing including the traditional pictures? OR I just have to use the court pictures as evidence and ignore the traditional one. really confuse about this.........Im about to send my I-130 petition for her.....really miss her like crazy

any advice is much appreciated.

[intx13 5]

I'm not a lawyer, but it's my understanding that your intentions are not in question, only your wife's. If she had not been present for the wedding I think that would look bad - as if she was not interested in celebrating your marriage, but only in the immigration benefits. But since she (and her family and your family) were all present, I shouldn't think that would be a huge strike against you.

At the same time, unless that is very common in Ghana, I would expect your wife to be questioned on it - certainly at the interview and possibly you would be as well by an RFE to your I-130. Evidence of the long history of dating prior to marriage, along with affidavits explaining the circumstances of the marriage from you, your family, and hers, would probably explain away any concerns - at least it would convince me

If it's common enough that you think the interviewers in Ghana would immediately understand, then it's probably no problem at all, so long as you provide enough evidence to get the I-130 approved.

[intx13 5]

I just noticed you already asked this question (at least) twice before, today on this forum.

[godisgood74 3]

I'm not a lawyer, but it's my understanding that your intentions are not in question, only your wife's. If she had not been present for the wedding I think that would look bad - as if she was not interested in celebrating your marriage, but only in the immigration benefits. But since she (and her family and your family) were all present, I shouldn't think that would be a huge strike against you.

At the same time, unless that is very common in Ghana, I would expect your wife to be questioned on it - certainly at the interview and possibly you would be as well by an RFE to your I-130. Evidence of the long history of dating prior to marriage, along with affidavits explaining the circumstances of the marriage from you, your family, and hers, would probably explain away any concerns - at least it would convince me

If it's common enough that you think the interviewers in Ghana would immediately understand, then it's probably no problem at all, so long as you provide enough evidence to get the I-130 approved.

looking at what you have said so far, I think to avoid any red flags and putting my wife into a situation that will be difficult for her and myself I will concentrate only the court marriage, i think that's what they recognize and approve as marriage and forget about the traditional

[godisgood74 3]

I just noticed you already asked this question (at least) twice before, today on this forum.

yes because i need different opinions and suggestions but no one is reading my post.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

You could include both marriages , explain that you "married" following your tribes tradition via proxy ( which although it made you married as far as your tribe was concerned you were wanting something more documented and legally recognised ) and then to make sure you had a publicallly recognised marriage you married in court later. Many Nigerians do the same thing ( although usually closer together ) because technicially the traditional marriage isn't "legal" in Nigeria but it is the way family prefers to celibrate the union. I would use the court marriage date as your wedding date. What does the official law state about marriages ? Include that in the petition just in case.

[godisgood74 3]

You could include both marriages , explain that you "married" following your tribes tradition via proxy ( which although it made you married as far as your tribe was concerned you were wanting something more documented and legally recognised ) and then to make sure you had a publicallly recognised marriage you married in court later. Many Nigerians do the same thing ( although usually closer together ) because technicially the traditional marriage isn't "legal" in Nigeria but it is the way family prefers to celibrate the union. I would use the court marriage date as your wedding date. What does the official law state about marriages ? Include that in the petition just in case.

I have made a change of mind to go by the official court marriage in order to avoid any confusion, thats what the law recognizes as marriage under immigration definition. I really appreciate your thoughts ...is really painful that as a couple sometimes you have to fight hard in order to convince someone to believe you as a couple.

[amanorni 2]

I beg you pls use de court marriage as de date ok. Also make sure that when your wife is askd when you both got married she should state de court date. And make sure on her interview day she should not send the traditional marriage pics there otherwise she will hav issues. Even nigeria i read if you hav already done the dowry is a red flag durin the interview i guess for a K1 route or so,not too certain but read the nigeria reviews

[godisgood74 3]

I beg you pls use de court marriage as de date ok. Also make sure that when your wife is askd when you both got married she should state de court date. And make sure on her interview day she should not send the traditional marriage pics there otherwise she will hav issues. Even nigeria i read if you hav already done the dowry is a red flag durin the interview i guess for a K1 route or so,not too certain but read the nigeria reviews

Thank you very much I really appreciate it, traditional marriage is now totally out of the case what u have said really make sense. thanks u