[Melas]

I have known people who have been long time separated from a spouse who REFUSES to sign divorce papers PROHIBITING them from marrying someone else.

I'm calling bs here. A spouse cannot deny you a divorce in any state of the union. If one party refuses to sign, a court date is set and the judge tells the refusing party, "tough titty" and it's over. I've seen this play out time and time again. Almost all refusals are over money, and that's all settled at the same time.

[a fool in paradise]

She finally signed but had him tied up for years.

[a fool in paradise]

And some ex-spouses are just plain vindictive. He had no money, owned no property, and had no kids.

He has 2 kids with his second wife now and works internationally.