Made a stupid mistake when I was young! Help

[mia01]

I married at 20 and separated at 24. My husband agreed to handle the divorce, had the papers drawn up, I signed and paid half of the filing fee. I "Assumed" all was taken care of and remarried later. Now nearly 40 years have passed and I found out the 1st divorce was never finalized. How can we now divorce when I have had another name for 35 years? My present husband and I want this cleared up so we can go on with our lives. My ex lives in another state and will happily sign the papers but I don't have a clue how to fix this. Will I have to remarry my second husband? I am at my wits end, can't sleep. Dread anyone finding out how foolish I was 40 years ago.

Thank you in advance.

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

This isn't just a "mistake" but actually is a criminal offense. You need to meet with an attorney to discuss your options. You cannot legally be married to more than one person at one time. Your "second" marriage is void. Please speak with an attorney asap (in person or over the phone) about your options.