My Father Married A Russian Bride - What About The Family Business
I have just been informed that my Father married a Russian bride in mid 2004. This woman has been to the US on at least two occasions since the marriage for short durations of time, but has always returned to Russia.
I have worked with my Father in the family business for nearly 20 years, and have been verbally promised a piece of the company in the future, but at this time, my Father has 100% ownership. There are also multiple parcels of real estate the family owns in another business, but again, my father is the majority owner in that company as well.
He has assured me that she is not entitled to either business since he owned these businesses prior to their marriage. He has told me that the marriage is not recognized or legal in the US, but I do not believe that to be accurate.
What is her legal claim to these businesses, if any? He is thinking about divorcing her, so what steps should I take to protect myself and my interest in the family businesses?
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Re: My Father Married A Russian Bride - What About The Family Business
If your father is in complete control of the real estate, then it is he who needs to protect his interest, which in turn protects your 'intended' interest should he pass; 100% ownership is not a majority ownership; it is sole ownership.
Unfortunately at this point, you have no say in the matter except to possibly convince your father to consult an attorney regarding this matter, and quickly. There are numerous 'scams' where foreign brides marry U.S. citizens with the sole purpose of taking what they can get as quickly as they can.