Bigamy
Bigamy is usually classified as a crime against the family. Generally, a legally married person is guilty of bigamy if he or she marries any other person, unless at the time of the subsequent marriage he or she believes that the prior spouse is dead. In some states a legally married person cohabiting with another person is also guilty of bigamy. Some states include exceptions based on the number of successive years that the other partner is absent without being known to the person within that time to be living.
The other party to a bigamous marriage may be guilty of bigamy if he or she contracts or purports to contract marriage with another knowing that the other is thereby committing bigamy.
Outside of the framework of the law, bigamy is usually thought of as having a second spouse without telling the first one that you are already married; whereas polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses where everyone is aware of the situation, and all concerned give consent.
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This information is generic. It is compiled from the laws of several states and may or may not apply to your particular city, county, state or individual circumstances. Federal and State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the current laws in your community. It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel. Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use. Please read it now.
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