The conclusion of a marriage union between a resident of the Russian Federation and a citizen of another country is a procedure, the implementation of which requires the observance of certain conditions. It is worth taking a closer look at this process.
To conclude an international marriage agreement, in which one party is a citizen of the countries of the republics of the former Soviet Union, you can contact any registry office in your city. If one party to the future marriage is a representative of a country that is not a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, then it must be registered with the central registry office of a region or a city of federal significance. You can clarify the requirements and conditions that are mandatory for observing the successful registration of an international marriage by contacting the government consulate.
Mandatory requirements for international marriage
Some facts:
In the Russian Federation, based on statistics for 2020, every 10 people enters into an international marriage. Divorce statistics are disappointing - 80-85% of marriages with foreigners break up for various reasons: deportation, visa cancellation, physical abuse. , is on our website.
The conclusion of an international marriage, however, as well as an ordinary one, is impossible if both parties do not meet certain requirements of the legislation of our state. These include the following:
- both persons must be of legal age;
- they must not have family ties with each other;
- if any party is absent from the marriage registration procedure, it is additionally necessary to provide a written statement of the party's consent to register the union;
- also, marriage registration is impossible without providing the required package of documents and a written application.
It is best to contact the civil registry office in advance and find out what documents a foreign citizen needs for a registry office. Thirty days will be enough for the application submitted by the future husband and wife to be considered. During this period, the registry office employees check all the provided data for authenticity and issue a verdict on the submitted application.
You need to know: When submitting an application to the registry office, you must provide a receipt for payment of the state duty in the amount of 350 rubles - Art. 333.26.1.1. Of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.
How to fill out the application
The application must be filled in according to the F-7 form, approved by the government of the Russian Federation in 1998, and contain the following information about both sides of the future marriage:
- surname, name and patronymic;
- age;
- date of birth;
- Place of Birth;
- citizenship;
- nationality;
- passport details;
- information about the document confirming the fact of termination of the previous marriage agreement (if any).
Sample filling out the application form for the conclusion -
Required package of documents
Together with the completed application for registration of marriage, you must also provide the required set of documents:
- passports of both sides of the future marriage union together with their notarized copies;
- certificate confirming the fact of dissolution of the previous marriage union (if any).
Additional documents for marriage with a person who is not a citizen of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States:
- Notarized translated copy of the passport.
- A certificate confirming the absence of a valid marriage agreement concluded in the home state of a foreign citizen.
- A document officially authorizing a foreign citizen is located on the territory of the Russian Federation (not required for representatives of states with which Russia has a so-called "visa-free" regime). They can be:
- residence;
- a certificate confirming the presence of guest registration in our state.
In what cases the registry office may refuse to register an international marriage
In certain situations, registry office employees may refuse to register an international marriage for a couple. These include the following:
- The foreign citizen has a valid marriage union in his home country.
- If there are family ties between the parties to the marriage (adoption, brothers and sisters up to the third generation, father and daughter, or mother and son).
- If one of the spouses has a disability status.
- If one party to the marriage has not reached the age of majority.
- Failure to comply with the requirements of monogamy - if in the home state of the husband it is possible to have more than one wife, and he has a woman with whom he is married, in this case he has no right to marry a Russian woman.
Thus, it can be understood that the documents provided for entering into a marriage with a foreigner in Russia differ significantly from the usual ones. To fulfill the requirements, you need to know, you need to submit an application to the central registry office for the region, etc. Therefore, in order to avoid delays and other force majeure situations, it is strongly recommended to start collecting documents and preparing them in advance.
If you have questions about paperwork with a foreign citizen, ask our lawyers
International families are being formed more and more often, despite the fact that the registration of marriage with a foreign citizen in Russia is carried out according to a more complex scheme than when an alliance is concluded between Russians. This procedure requires additional papers that must meet specific requirements.
On the territory of the Russian Federation, marriage with a foreign citizen is concluded according to Russian laws. Registration according to them is allowed if one of the spouses is a foreigner or does not have citizenship. For this purpose, they apply to the registry office and submit the required package of papers.
It is important for a foreigner that a marriage entered into in Russia meets the requirements set by the legislation of his country: age or the consent of the authorities. These conditions do not apply to persons who are also Russian citizens. Only Russian law applies to stateless persons.
If the future spouse is a citizen of two or more states, then he independently chooses the laws of which country he is guided by when entering into marriage. In the Russian Federation, only unions between one man and one woman are recognized. Even if in the homeland of the future husband the laws allow to marry several times, it will not work to acquire a second Russian wife. If such a marriage is entered into, it is not recognized in Russia.
For a ceremony in which one of the couple does not speak Russian, an interpreter is invited. Divorce with a foreign citizen takes place according to the legislation of the Russian Federation. It is done in two ways: through the court or the registry office.
Barriers to starting a family
There is a list of conditions under which the creation of a family union is excluded.
- With a person who is in a registered relationship. There are a number of countries where polygamous marriage is the norm. In such cases, citizens of these states are checked especially carefully.
- With close relatives in a straight line. Within a family, a brother and sister with one common parent also cannot create families.
- Between adoptive parents and adopted persons.
- The registry office does not register a marriage if one of the future spouses is declared incapacitated due to mental disorders.
Russians are trying to circumvent these laws and marry in other countries where it is not prohibited, but in this case, the union is not recognized at home.
What documents are submitted by the registry office
The list of papers submitted to the registry office by foreigners differs from the standard one.
An example of filling out a form
- Completed application of the established form F-7. It is downloaded on sites in advance or received on the spot when submitting papers. When one of the spouses is unable to appear at the registry office, he has the right to separately submit an application, certified in advance by a notary. ...
- Passports of future spouses. Foreigners provide documents valid abroad. If the entries in the passport are made in a language other than Russian, it is translated, notarized and copies are attached. Documents with a photo do not go through the additional legalization procedure.
- Foreigners attach documents from the embassy or government agency of the country of citizenship stating that, by law, they can marry or get married.
- For a foreign citizen, you need papers confirming the legality of his stay in the Russian Federation: a visa or a residence permit. This rule does not apply to immigrants from Ukraine, Belarus or other countries with a visa-free regime.
- If the future husband or wife has already had a marriage behind them, they attach documents stating that the previous union broke up or terminated.
In addition to the package of papers, a duty of 350 rubles is paid. When paying, they carefully check the receipt. If there are errors in the purpose of payment or details, the receipt will not be accepted. Each registry office has its own data.
All submitted papers are attached in Russian. In this regard, the situation is simple with countries where this language is one of the state ones. In other circumstances, papers with an apostille affixed and a notarized translation are attached.
If the laws of the country of citizenship of the foreign spouse require special permits to formalize the relationship, but they are not, then the registry office employee explains to the couple that such a union may not be recognized. If the future husband and wife insist on concluding a marriage, then it is registered, but in the record of the act it is noted that the couple is familiar with the features and procedure for creating a union.
Legalization of papers
Papers and certificates drawn up in other countries are pre-legalized in the Russian Federation. The legalization procedure allows these documents to be recognized as valid on Russian territory. If a foreigner comes from a country that has signed the Hague Convention, then an apostille is affixed on the papers. For documents from states not participating in the convention, a complex certification procedure is provided for at the Russian Foreign Ministry on the territory of these countries.
Simplified procedure for filing papers submitted from Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and other countries that have signed the Minsk Convention. Certificates from these countries are not apostilled; it is enough to translate into Russian and notarize.
The Baltic states have not signed the convention, but legalization of papers is not provided for them either.
registration
The law allows you to register marriages at diplomatic missions and consulates of the countries of citizenship of a foreign spouse. Such unions are recognized by the Russian side, subject to the conditions.
- With the mutual recognition of marriages concluded in Russian consulates and representations.
- The spouses who are married are citizens of the country that has appointed the ambassador or consul.
Not every registry office is authorized to formalize marriages with foreigners. Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Ukraine and other states of the former union can submit documents almost anywhere. Foreigners from the Baltics and far abroad register relations with certain civil registry offices.
Legalization of the certificate at home
The marriage procedure itself is not enough for the family to be recognized in the foreigner's homeland. In order to obtain the status of a full-fledged wife or husband in a number of countries, they undergo additional tests for the fictitiousness of the created family. This requires documents, the list of which differs in different states. If necessary, they are apostilled, translated and certified by a notary.
The couple is regularly interviewed. The features of this process depend on the laws in force. A simple procedure is provided, for example, on the territory of Ukraine or Belarus.
There are times when people from different countries express a desire to get married. In this situation, there may be some difficulties with collecting the necessary documentation, and in addition there are a number of nuances that it is desirable to know. According to Russian legislation, foreign citizens have the same legal capacity as a citizen of Russia. A foreigner has the right to conclude a marriage and to dissolve it. This article will cover all the important aspects of this issue.
Any marriage begins with an appropriate decision and requires the submission of the necessary documents to the registry office. The package of documents, if the parties to the marriage are people with different citizenships, is slightly different. Regardless of citizenship, both parties will need to prepare a certain set of documentation. The algorithm for submitting documents depends on the country in which further registration will be carried out. The list of documents may differ based on the requirements of a particular state. But their main list is given below:
- passport (sometimes, it is enough to provide only a passport);
- a certificate that confirms the absence at the moment of marriage (can be obtained from the registry office, however, difficulties with its issuance are possible, since formally in Russian legislation there is no such form) or a certificate of divorce;
- certificate of registration of the fact of birth;
- document confirming citizenship. This document was previously issued simultaneously with the certificate of registration of the fact of birth. Otherwise, this document can be obtained from the Office of the Federal Migration Service, the passport office or from the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Russian Federation;
- visa (special invitation from the bride or groom). She is registered with the OVIR authorities or at the place of stay.
This list of documents will need to be presented to various authorities: at customs, at the embassy, at the registry office.
Additional documents that may be needed in this situation are:
- certificate of no criminal record;
- a certificate confirming the absence of a marriage relationship at a given point in time, or other possible obstacles;
- certificate of legal capacity to formalize marriage relations. In the Russian Federation, this certificate is not issued, since there is no filling form. It is issued in the state where the registration will be carried out, since its form depends on the country. A notarized extract from the Family Code of Article 12-14 of the IC RF, indicating the conditions for contracting a marriage, is also allowed. This certificate, in free form, can be issued at the registry office;
- information about the family composition. Issued by the ZhEK;
- data from the place of residence;
- if one of the parties has minor children and after registration they are supposed to leave the country - a certificate of registration of the fact of the birth of a child and a written permission for his departure from the second parent;
- health certificate;
- vaccination certificate (if required).
All of the above documentation (both basic and additional), except for those issued by the consular department, must be legalized or apostilled. The latter is necessary if the foreigner comes from a country that has ratified the Hague Convention. This implies the presence of an apostille and translation into the language of the state in which the registration will be carried out. All the necessary documentation should be prepared in Russia, since it is not always possible to carry out a translation elsewhere.
The list of documents that is required in registration of marriage for a foreigner with a citizen of Russia:
- passport;
- a certificate authorized to certify the absence of a marriage relationship at the moment;
- a document certifying the financial condition (required to confirm the financial ability to support the groom or the bride of a citizen of the Russian Federation). Mandatory, especially for the issuance of a visa.
The collection and execution of all necessary certificates will take about three months. The above package of documents will help to prepare a residence permit without any problems in the future.
Registration of marriage in the country of the future spouse
To formalize a marriage outside the home state, it is mandatory to prepare all the necessary documentation package in accordance with the submitted requests of the country where the registration is supposed to be.
Registration of marriage relations between a citizen and a non-citizen of Russia on the territory of another country is carried out in the following cases:
- mutual, free will consent to the registration of the bride and groom. Personal confirmation is required on the day of registration;
- reaching the marriageable age of the spouses (18 years). An exception is the pregnancy of the bride, as well as the birth of a child (then under such circumstances - from the age of 16);
- absence of circumstances that can prevent marriage.
If all conditions are met, then the marriage is registered in accordance with the legislative norms of the state where the registration is carried out.
The nuances of marriage with a foreigner
In addition to the need to collect certain documentation, there are a number of aspects that you need to know in this situation:
- all documents of a citizen of the Russian Federation must be aposted and translated into the appropriate language;
- all information should be drawn up in strict accordance with the legislation of a foreign state;
- the documentation has a limited period of validity. For example, the validity period of a certificate of absence of previous marital relations is up to three months, and a certificate of quitrent legal capacity - up to six months.
The nuances of registration of marriage relations with a non-citizen of the Russian Federation within the territorial boundaries of his country:
- he has the right to be recognized on the territory of the Russian Federation if the conditions of the Russian legislation are met;
- when an exclusively religious (church) marriage is concluded - this form has no legal basis for recognition in Russia;
- has no legal basis for the recognition in Russia of a marriage containing polygamy.
- In any case, there are times when such a marriage is not recognized due to disproportionate legislation.
With the correct preparation of the documentation, as well as similar legislation of the countries, your marriage with a citizen of a foreign state will have legal force and, subsequently, can be recognized on the territory of Russia.
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Marriage is an official ceremony that is held to register the desire of two people to build a joint future. In most cases, marriage registration is carried out between people of the same nationality, but there are exceptions.
There are no borders for love, and excellent transport links between countries contribute to the emergence of relations between people of different nations and even religions. Today, marriage with a foreigner is by no means considered a rarity and is increasingly common in the modern world.
Registration of marriage between residents of the same country is carried out according to a clearly established procedure. First, people submit documents, fill out forms and pay the state fee, and a month later they are officially signed. In this case, the marriage can take place according to a solemn ceremony or without it. The future newlyweds choose the decision on the choice of the nature of the wedding themselves.
Marriage with a foreigner in Russia follows a similar procedure, with the exception of some nuances that can be quite significant. In our country, marriage registration is carried out in accordance with the Family Code on the basis of the norms of current legislation. Therefore, in order to legitimize relations with foreign citizens, it is necessary to submit a special document stating that the ceremony will take place in accordance with the laws and traditions that are adopted in his native state. In addition, the following rules must be observed:
Fulfillment of these requirements makes it possible to marry a foreigner in Russia at the official level. At the same time, the list of required documents may vary depending on the procedures, laws, traditions and religion of the native state of the foreign spouse. can be downloaded here.
List of mandatory documents for registration of marriage and their execution
Today, marriages between Russians and nationals of other countries are not surprising to anyone. At the same time, for their legalization, one has to go a rather long way, consisting of many bureaucratic conventions and nuances. One of them are documents for marriage with a foreigner, which must be submitted to the civil registration authority. They look like this:
The absence of at least one of these documents makes marriage impossible.
Moreover, all certificates, certificates and other papers must contain a translation into Russian, which is certified by a notary and marked with an apostille.
Citizens of the former Soviet republics can apply without a special mark.
The main reasons for refusing to conduct a marriage ceremony and their characteristics
The collected and completed package of documents is submitted to the registry office at least a month before the planned wedding. However, it is better to submit it two months ahead of schedule. This precaution is due to the fact that in the process of reviewing the documentation, additional questions may arise, which will take time to clarify. Often, when processing it, the registry offices issue a negative verdict and do not allow marriages with foreigners. 
The reasons for obtaining such solutions can be varied:
- the foreign groom is legally married in his home country;
- close or distant relationship between the spouses;
- officially confirmed incapacity of one of the spouses;
- the age of one of the spouses does not meet the necessary requirements for marriage;
- the groom is from a country in which polygamy is legalized (if a Russian woman is the first wife, then marriage registration with a foreigner is allowed);
- violation of the rights of a foreign groom in the framework of registration of a marriage union.
Important! Registration of marriages within the Russian Federation is carried out in accordance with the current legislation. However, the foreign groom does not obey him, since he is a citizen of another state, which has its own legislative norms and requirements. At the same time, the observance of his legal rights is a prerequisite for registering a marriage.
Registration of marriage with a citizen of a foreign country is possible only if all the traditions and national characteristics that are inherent in his mentality are observed. To agree on all issues and clarify the nuances, before submitting documents to the registering authority, you need to contact the embassy of the state from which the future husband comes from. Its representatives will be happy to explain all the features of the ceremony and draw up detailed instructions on how to perform it.
Where to register a marriage: division of foreigners into categories and contacting the registry office
It is rather difficult to register a marriage with a foreigner in Russia. It is not only about preparing an extensive package of documents and agreeing on a large number of national issues. A huge role is played by the place of registration of marriage, since not every registry office has the right to take on such responsibility. 
In addition, marriage with a foreigner must be concluded with the direct participation of the embassy of the country of which he is a representative. Based on this, the best solution is to conduct a wedding in Moscow, since it is in the capital that most of the foreign diplomatic missions are located.
In relation to persons with a different citizenship, certain rules apply. Depending on the homeland of a foreigner, he falls into one of two categories:
- Category 1 - for citizens from the former Soviet republics, now part of the CIS;
- Category 2 - for all other foreign citizens, including residents of the Baltics.
Persons belonging to the first category have the right to get married in any registry office in our country. For the rest of the citizens who are included in the second subgroup, there is only one option - registration in the central wedding palace No. 4, located on Butyrskaya Street. All other institutions cannot legalize such marriages, as they do not have the legal authority to conduct the ceremony.
We also suggest that you familiarize yourself as possible and.
Another option for conducting a marriage is to contact the diplomatic mission of the groom's home country. In this case, the ceremony is carried out in full accordance with its orders and laws.
In addition, in order to legalize such a marriage in our country, it is necessary to obtain a permit for marriage with a foreigner, which is issued by authorized organizations after a thorough check of all documents.
The legal basis for family life: Family Code and the conclusion of a marriage contract
At the end of the ceremony, the marriage is considered registered. From this moment on, a completely new life begins, implying the fulfillment of certain duties and the presence of specific rights. In the legislation of the Russian Federation there is a clear definition that best characterizes the legal framework of spouses.
Important! The rights and obligations of persons entering into marriage are regulated by the legislative framework of the state within which the spouses plan to reside.
In the event that the Russian Federation is chosen as the country for further residence, then the married couple is subject to Russian law. Moreover, such norms are relevant in relation to all residents of the country, even those with foreign citizenship and temporarily residing in its territory.
Divorce with a foreigner is carried out according to the standard procedure stipulated in the Family Code of the Russian Federation. According to him, there are 2 types of division of property, which were acquired by joint efforts. They look like this:
- the contractual type is established subject to the actual existence of a marriage contract concluded between the spouses and notarized (it also officially describes all the legal aspects of family life and the responsibilities of each of the spouses);
- the joint type is registered in the absence of any additional documents (in this case, all acquired property is common).
When a child appears in a family, he is considered a citizen of the state in which he was born or on the basis of an agreement between his parents. As a result, a small person can be a Russian by his mother, a foreigner by his father, or have dual citizenship of both spouses. In case of divorce with a foreigner, according to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, the child remains in the care of the mother.
The best option for protecting your rights and a guarantee of clear regulation of duties is the conclusion of a full-fledged marriage contract. Its registration makes it possible to determine in advance the rights, negotiate all controversial issues and resolve related issues that can subsequently provoke the termination of the marriage relationship. It acquires particular importance when relations are fictitious, implying an imminent dissolution of marriage.
The conclusion of marriage is an event that is always exciting and dividing life into "before" and "after"... The law allows a citizen of Russia marry a citizen of another state or a stateless person.
Marrying a foreigner is still considered a romantic exotic, which brings exclusively happiness and financial well-being. But is this always the case? And won't you then have to deal with the overseas "prince" or "princess" in court?
Dear Readers! Our articles tell about typical ways of solving legal issues, but each case is unique.
If you want to know how to solve exactly your problem - contact the online consultant form on the right or call the phones below. It's fast and free!
From a newlywed foreigner:
- document that a foreign citizen has the right to marry (issued at the embassy of his state, or at the registering authority);
- visa or residence permit(except for countries with which Russia has a visa-free regime) - as evidence that a citizen has the right to stay on the territory of the Russian Federation;
- certificate that the foreigner's previous marriage was terminated (if any).
All documents submitted by a foreign groom (or bride) must be translated into Russian, officially certified and legalized (apostille or consular certification) - Article 27 Federal Law of July 5, 2010. 154-FZ "Consular Charter of the Russian Federation".
It often happens like this: a citizen of the Russian Federation enters into his marriage outside the country. Each state has its own list of documents, but in the overwhelming majority of countries you will need:
- passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- registration document at the location;
- birth certificate(according to a new sample);
- if this is not the first marriage - a divorce certificate, a court decision;
- health certificate (for example, in the United States of America);
- no criminal record.
Documents must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and translated into the language of the country where the marriage is concluded. The translation must be notarized(except in Germany, where it is not required).
Where can such a marriage be officially contracted?
This can be understood from the name itself - only at the registering authority... Namely:
- in the bodies of the registry office;
- at the consulate - this applies to countries with which certain agreements have been established.
There are often cases when a bride or groom who does not know this nuance agree to beautiful ceremonies in the form of, for example, a wedding in England or exotic rite on the sandy beaches of the Caribbean.
They might even sign beautiful letterheads decorated with images of angels. However, it later turns out that such a marriage has no legal force in Russia and the spouses are strictly speaking to each other nobody.
From here even arose the concept - "lame marriage", that is, the wedding seemed to be, but under the laws of Russia, a couple is not considered a family.
And all because the young people enjoyed only the ceremony and did not bother about the "unromantic", but official procedure in the presence of the consul.
The rights and obligations of spouses after an international wedding
Personal and property relations of spouses are subject to the laws of the country where the husband and wife live(Article 161 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation). If they do not have a permanent place of residence, then the country where their last place of residence was.
The best thing conclude a marriage contract- this gives more certainty in the relationship regarding property rights, and also provides guarantees in case of divorce.
Do you need a prenuptial agreement?
As practice shows, it is necessary. He regulates property relations, including in case of divorce.
This does not apply directly to marital relations or communication with children. For marriage contract it is best to use the services of a lawyer - this is exactly the case when writing with a pen cannot be cut with an ax.
If the case comes to court, the servant of Themis will be guided not by the laws of the Russian Federation, but by the marriage contract.
The next stage is a visit to a translation agency. will be translated into the language of the country of which the foreign spouse is a citizen. After that, both parties sign, and then the document is certified by a notary.
International marriage: pros and cons
Despite various dramatic talk shows and articles, Russians are not going to give up international marriages... Indeed, they have some advantages... For example:
- free movement in a foreign country;
- the right to work Abroad;
- economic stability, especially if there is a marriage contract;
- the ability to quickly and efficiently learn a foreign language.
Meanwhile, any medal has a flip side. Unfortunately, the statistics are disappointing: two thirds of marriages with foreign citizens end in divorce.
It's not just about the "test of time". There are others, very serious obstacles, which not everyone can overcome:
- difference in mentality;
- conditions for obtaining citizenship... It is not as easy and fast as it might seem, and the other half, it turns out, is in no hurry to help;
- the language barrier;
- mismatching expectations and reality from marriage... This applies to both money (the Germans and the French, for example, are very tight-fisted, if not stingy), and relations with others;
- homesickness... It is not so rare to get divorced simply because the further, the stronger they feel that no matter how good it is at a party, it is better at home.
What are the dangers of marriage with a foreigner, legal consequences
Many people ask what "pitfalls" they can lie in wait for on the path to happiness and well-being?
Difference of laws and legal status... Yes, a marriage entered into in Russia with a registering authority is completely legal.
But if, for example, the wife is a Russian woman, and the husband is a guest from the East and between them no Muslim rite was performed, then the union is not recognized in the husband's homeland.
Chances are good that you will not be "loved and the only", but one of many wives. Not to mention immigrants from the African continent - in some countries, culture and customs are far from civilized.
There is a ceremony, but there is no marriage... As already mentioned, one should not swim in beautiful ceremonies in the form of riding on elephants under a canopy and other things and painting in beautiful forms.
No, you can afford all this - only after bureaucratic procedure... When a bored spouse or, more often, a spouse is kicked out, and she sues, it turns out that before the law of the Russian Federation they are just a couple, not a family.
Remember, marriage with a foreign citizen can only be concluded at the registry office or at the consulate!
Loss of property, and in other cases - and citizenship. You should carefully study (it is better to visit a lawyer) the laws of the country to which you are going to move.
Important: if you are married or married only for citizenship, you should be as careful as James Bond. For example, in the United States, if your plan is revealed, very harsh measures will follow - a fine, deprivation of citizenship and deportation.
over the child... If a son or daughter was born in another country, they usually become its citizens.
In the event of a divorce, it will be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to take them to Russia.
. It is much easier to get alimony after a divorce in the spouse's homeland. than after returning to Russia.
After the state border separates you, it will be very difficult to force your ex-spouse to pay money.
