Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Tennessee

Q: Polygamous marriage in USA

I met a man and he’s married.His wife initiated poly marriage. The problem is we live in USA. Can he marry me in another country and then come back to USA or not?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In the United States, polygamy is illegal under federal law and the laws of all 50 states. This means that a person cannot be legally married to more than one person at the same time within the U.S. If a marriage takes place in another country where polygamy is legal, the U.S. will not recognize the second marriage as legally valid. This holds true even if the marriage is legally conducted and recognized in the country where it occurred.

If someone were to marry a second person in another country and then return to the U.S., the second marriage would not be considered legal. This situation could lead to legal complications, including potential charges of bigamy if the person attempts to claim both marriages as legally valid in the U.S. Furthermore, immigration and other federal benefits might be affected if the legality of marital status comes into question.

It's important to carefully consider the legal and social implications of entering into a relationship that would be considered polygamous in the U.S. Seeking guidance from a legal professional can provide clarity on the matter and help navigate the complex issues related to marital status and the law.

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