What are the laws about bigamy and polygamy?

In Indiana, bigamy and polygamy are both illegal. Bigamy is the act of being married to two or more people at the same time. It is illegal to marry someone if you are already married, or if the person you are proposing to is also married to someone else. Polygamy is the practice of having two or more simultaneous and ongoing marital relationships. This includes marriage to two or more people at the same time, which is illegal in Indiana. In order to prosecute someone for bigamy or polygamy, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant was legally married to two or more people simultaneously, or that the defendant was married to someone else while already married. Indiana law also sets out a few exceptions to the bigamy and polygamy laws. For example, if a person was unaware that their husband or wife was still legally married to someone else, they may not be prosecuted. In Indiana, bigamy and polygamy are both considered Class D felonies. This carries a sentence of up to 3 years in prison, and can include fines of up to $10,000. In addition, if a person is convicted of bigamy or polygamy, they may be required to pay child support for any children born out of one of the marriages. The laws surrounding bigamy and polygamy are in place, in part, to protect the individuals involved in the relationships and to protect the sanctity of marriage. Violations of bigamy and polygamy laws have serious consequences, and anyone facing these charges should contact an experienced attorney for legal advice.

Related FAQs

Are there any legal requirements for marrying someone from another country?
Are there any laws related to common law marriages?
What are the laws regarding prenuptial agreements?
Are there any residency requirements for getting married?
What are the financial implications of a marriage in another country?
Are there any laws governing the validity of foreign marriages?
What is a prenuptial agreement and when should it be used?
What are the legal requirements to obtain a marriage license in my state?
What are the rights of a spouse in a marriage?
Are there any laws related to domestic violence and marriage?

What are the laws about bigamy and polygamy?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts