** Legally, if a man was already married and his first wife living, ANY subsequent marriage, in whatever form, is invalid. Gordon. On 21/02/2010 15:51, aberdeen-request@rootsweb.com wrote: > Couple had been married for many years, but husband wanted out. He confessed to bigamy, having been married some years previous to the present "marriage". Present marriage was declared invalid, and husband jailed. Meanwhile first wife had died. Second "wife" then claimed marriage by repute, and this was upheld.