§43-8-252. Effect of divorce, annulment, or decree of separation.

(a) A person who is divorced from the decedent or whose marriage to the decedent has been annulled is not a surviving spouse unless, by virtue of a subsequent marriage, he is married to the decedent at the time of death. A decree of separation which does not terminate the status of husband and wife is not a divorce for purposes of this section.

(b) For purposes of sections 43-8-40 through 43-8-49, 43-8-55 through 43-8-58, 43-8-70 through 43-8-76, 43-8-90, 43-8-91, and 43-8-110 through 43-8-113, a surviving spouse does not include:

(1) A person who obtains or consents to a final decree or judgment of divorce from the decedent or an annulment of their marriage, which decree or judgment is not recognized as valid in this state, unless they subsequently participate in a marriage ceremony purporting to marry each to the other, or subsequently live together as man and wife;

(2) A person who, following a decree or judgment of divorce or annulment obtained by the decedent, participates in a marriage ceremony with a third person; or

(3) A person who is a party to a valid proceeding concluded by an order purporting to terminate all marital property rights.

(Acts 1982, No. 82-399, §2-802.)