Divorce Not properly Filed

[bochi17 0]

I was married to a US citizen. I got my citizenship through VAWA - (a manslaughter conviction was involved and he spent some years in jail).  He is out now, but we have not been together for over 4 years. I moved out of state (to Illinois), he remained in Michigan. He stalked me for a while, then everything went quiet.

 

I met someone else  who works in the Middle East and we want to start a family. I started divorce proceedings 2 months ago, only to find out that my ex never submitted our marriage licence for proper recording. I have a copy of the signed certificate. After the ceremony, the pastor and ex were supposed to file a signed copy with the state. They did not. I do not know where he is. I sent the Sheriff out to serve him at his home and found that the house is on sale. 

 

I was in communication with the pastor until 3 years ago. 2 weeks ago I found out that the man has been put away for 25 years for sexual misconduct, 1st and 2nd degree, with variables.  As for my ex, the search has pulled up other gun-related felonies and drug issues after I left him. The last blow is that  my maid of honor died abruptly in June 2017.

 

Questions.

What do I do about a marriage that was not properly filed? Do I file it and then divorce him when I cannot find him?

ICE knows am married, I have a certificate to show, the state says am not married? What happens to my status. I lived with him for 3 years.

[Boiler 45,553]

So the VAWA was based on abuse by a person you were married to?

[bochi17 0]

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

So the VAWA was based on abuse by a person you were married to?

 

Yes. I was only married once. 

[bakphx1 789]

I think your best bet is to explore the annulment avenue.  Depending on the state, it might be a viable option, because if the marriage has been recognized by the federal government and anyone else, an annulment on the grounds of a proper marriage not existing might be what annulment is truly for.