Miami, FL asked in Divorce, Immigration Law and Family Law for Florida

Q: Concerns about residency and divorce when returning to Argentina from Florida.

I am currently separated from my spouse, a permanent resident of the United States, and my residency application is in progress. I have a driver's license, work permit, Social Security number, and travel permit. I plan to return to Argentina early next month.

I haven't filed for divorce, and I'm unsure if my spouse has done so. We have shared assets, but I do not wish to claim anything; I just want to return to my country as quickly as possible. I am concerned about the legal implications if my spouse withdraws his petition for my residency and what my legal situation would be in the U.S. after returning to Argentina.

3 Lawyer Answers

A: You’ve raised several important issues, and I’ll address them in parts:

1. Returning to Argentina and Immigration Status:

If your spouse withdraws the petition supporting your U.S. residency while you are outside the country, it could jeopardize your pending adjustment of status. Even with a valid travel permit (Advance Parole), your reentry could be denied if the underlying immigration petition is withdrawn before you return. If your intention is to stay in Argentina permanently and not pursue residency in the U.S. anymore, then withdrawal may not matter much—but you should be aware it effectively ends your path to a green card through your spouse.

2. Divorce Proceedings in the U.S.:

Florida requires at least one party to reside in the state for six months before filing for divorce. If you haven't filed and you leave Florida, your ability to file there later may be affected if you lose your residency. However, your spouse may still file for divorce in Florida while you’re in Argentina, and the court can proceed, especially if proper service is made.

3. Property and Legal Concerns:

If there are shared assets, Florida law generally divides marital property equitably. Since you mentioned you don’t wish to claim any assets, that could simplify the process. Still, it’s wise to consult a Florida divorce attorney before leaving so you understand the consequences of waiving any rights and ensure there are no pending claims that could affect you later.

Bottom Line:

If you’re determined to leave, it’s best to speak with both an immigration and a divorce attorney before your departure. This probably an issue that needs to be resolved by working with at least two attorneys focused in those areas of law.

Rand Scott Lieber agrees with this answer

Julia Sverdloff
PREMIUM
Answered

A: If your spouse withdraws the green card petition while you’re outside the U.S., your application could be denied, and you might not be allowed back in—even with a travel permit. You’re not required to file for divorce, but leaving while your case is pending carries risks. Talk to an immigration attorney before traveling to protect your status.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: It’s understandable that you want to move forward peacefully and return to Argentina without complications. Since your residency application is based on your spouse’s petition, withdrawing it could affect your legal status in the U.S., especially if you're not yet a lawful permanent resident. Even though you have a work permit and travel authorization, these are often tied to the pending residency case and may no longer be valid if the petition is withdrawn.

If you leave the U.S. while your application is pending and your spouse later withdraws support, it may be difficult to return or continue the immigration process. Immigration authorities might see your departure as abandoning the application unless it’s clear that you followed the proper procedures. However, if you are not planning to return and have no interest in continuing the process, then leaving the country with valid travel documents could allow you to close this chapter without legal conflict, especially since you’re not pursuing shared assets.

As for the divorce, if neither of you has filed yet, it can still be handled after you return to Argentina, though it may be easier to address legal matters while you're still in the U.S. Make sure to gather all important documents before you go, and keep written proof of your separation and intentions. You’re allowed to prioritize your peace and safety, and if leaving quietly and respectfully helps you heal, you have the right to take that step.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.