Civil Marriage/Divorce

Question

If I a civilly married to a Jewish woman but never had a Jewish wedding, can I just get a Jewish marriage to another woman and have a family without getting a civil divorce from the first woman?

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Eventhough the overwhelming  majority of halachic authorities rule that a couple is not halachically married if the man and woman did not marry according to Torah law.  H owever, even a couple who was only married by common-law should still go through with a Jewish divorce, a "Get,"

In the event that they decide to part ways. Indeed, you are obligated by both secular law and Jewish law (besides receiving a 'Get") to go through with a civil divorce before marrying again.

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