Question
How can I check online or offline if a person is currently married or has been married before? I need to confirm if someone already has a husband or wife.
Answer
In Bangladesh, there are limited methods to check someone’s marital status, especially due to privacy laws. Here are some practical steps to help verify if someone is married or was married previously:
- National ID Records: The national ID (NID) database sometimes includes marital status, but it is not publicly accessible. Authorized officials can access these records, so if necessary, a formal request can be made through the appropriate channels, though it may require a valid reason.
- Marriage Registry Office: Marriage records for Muslim marriages are generally filed with the Kazi (marriage registrar) office where the marriage took place. You may contact the relevant office directly, though access is often restricted to involved parties or those with a legitimate reason. For Hindu and Christian marriages, local temple or church records may provide information, but privacy rules also apply.
- Family or Community Verification: Often, friends, family members, or local community leaders will have information about a person’s marital history. This method may be informal, but it can be useful for confirming someone’s marital status without official documentation.
- Court Records: Divorce and marriage records might be available in the Family Court records if there was a formal legal proceeding. However, access to these records may require a valid purpose, and courts are cautious about releasing such information without proper cause.
- Request Formal Verification: In cases involving legal matters (such as future marriage), you may formally request verification with the assistance of a lawyer.