Expert: LLLLLL - 9/22/2008

Question
I live in Chapala, Jalisco. I am a EEUU Citizen and my husband of 2.5 years is Mexican. We met here and married after dating for 1.5 years. My husband left me a month ago and went to Cabo San Lucas after stating that he wants a divorce. We were married here in Chapala and while I requested for our marriage certificate to reflect "separado", he had the judge mark "sociedad legal" - which may explain why he paid the judge $1,500.00 pesos when the cost of a civil matrimony here, today is only $195.00 pesos. There was no translator at the ceremony, nor did I have any witnesses on MY behalf (only his sister and brother-in-law). We do not have any real estate nor any children of our own (he has five children from a previous woman and I just found out approx. 3 months ago that he has at least 2 others that he knows of). He has worked no more than a combined total of 6 months in the entire time we have been together and I have supported him, his children and their mother fully through the duration. He has never contributed to any living expenses or purchases. I discovered shortly after we were married that he is an alcoholic and I paid on several occasions, to no avail, for medical/psychiatric/rehabilitation expenses but now have learned that he also has a drug addiction. He has been infiel with numerous women and is currently involved with his latest amante. He recently enviar money for her to fly to Cabo San Lucas and live with him in the house of his father, stepmother and half-brother. I have her full name, address here in Chapala and several wittiness’ that will testify to his infidelity. I want to pursue any legal options I have contra my husband and his amante as I feel they both should accept the consequences of their actions. In addition...until 2 days ago, his amante was living with her extended family just 2 blocks from me and telling everyone in our very small pueblito that "my boyfriend Michael, is in Cabo to work and save money for us to get married" - yet he is MARRIED TO ME!!! Thus making my everyday life very difficult to walk down the street without people discussing my personal pain resulting in much embarrassment/shame. Right now I want, more than anything, not just a divorce - but an annulment!!!!! With the information I have given you, can you tell me if I have the legal right to petition for this? Do you need additional information to answer this question? I also need a lawyer, do you work in Guadalajara? Or have an advice? Thank you so much for your time,  C.C.

Answer
I am sorry to hear all that you are going through. You absolutely have more than a few legal grounds to immediately file for divorce. You can also include in your divorce petition an incident called *incidente criminal por adulterio*. My location is far from Guadalajara, I work in Baja California. I suggest you retain a local lawyer to make the demanda de divorcio and represent you at the family court.