What are the laws about bigamy and polygamy?

In North Carolina, bigamy and polygamy are both illegal under state law. Bigamy is defined as the act of being married to two people at the same time, regardless of whether or not the marriages were performed legally. Polygamy is the act of being married to more than two people, which is also illegal. The punishment for violating the state’s marriage law can include imprisonment for up to five years as well as a fine of up to $2,500. Additionally, those charged with bigamy or polygamy can face other charges, such as fraud and/or forgery if any documents were falsified in order to obtain the marriage. Under North Carolina law, bigamy and polygamy are considered felonies. This means that a conviction can result in a criminal record, which can lead to employment complications and other restrictions. In addition, bigamy and polygamy can be considered a violation of the state’s public policy, which could prevent a person from seeking a divorce in North Carolina. The state requires that a party to a marriage show that the “validity” of the marriage is not in question. This means that any evidence of bigamy or polygamy may be a cause for a court to refuse a divorce. Overall, it is important to understand that in North Carolina bigamy and polygamy are illegal and can result in serious consequences, including individual criminal liability.

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