A New Zealand woman thought she was still married, but...was she?
A Levin, North Island, man forged his estranged wife's details for a divorce she knew nothing about. He pleaded guilty in the Levin District Court to giving a false oath more than two years ago.
The man and his wife seperated in September 2002. Four years later he sought a divorce, but failed to tell her. The Judge told him he was supposed to serve his wife the dissolution forms. New Zealand does not have an actual divorce procedure any more, but dissolution of marriage after two years living apart.
She only discovered the divorce when she went to file a marriage dissolution on her own accord. In similar forgery cases peole had been sent to prison, the judge told him.
But because it was his first dishonesty offence the judge was prepared to show him some mercy. Instead of imprisonment he received 125 community service; he could have received up to 200 hours.
Outside of court the man said the divorce had finally been approved, and he was moving on with his life. He made no mention of his former wife and how badly he had treated her. His new partner and stepdaughter were present in the court.
Acknowledgement to Manawatu Standard:
