Navigating the Hidden Realities of Bigamy

The legalities surrounding marriage are strict, and few violations are as significant as entering into a bigamous union. By definition, a bigamous marriage occurs when a person enters into a new marriage while still being legally married to someone else.

Defining Bigamy in the Eyes of the Law
In most jurisdictions, the law is very clear: a person can only be party to one legal marriage at a time. Under the law, these secondary unions are typically viewed as null, providing no legal standing to the parties involved.

It is important to distinguish between bigamy and polygamy. While polygamy involves multiple concurrent partners, bigamy is the specific act of "double-marrying" in violation of state or national law.

Consequences of a Bigamous Marriage
Entering into a bigamous union carries heavy weight, impacting everything from your criminal record to your financial stability.

Criminal Penalties: Many states treat bigamy as a criminal offense that can lead to fines or even jail time.

Nullification of Marriage: Since the marriage is legally non-existent, the parties do not enjoy the standard benefits of a legal union.

Impact on Children: While many modern laws protect the legitimacy of children born into such unions, the custody and support battles can become incredibly complicated.

Common Causes and Misunderstandings
Surprisingly, bigamy is often the result of a misunderstanding rather than a criminal plot. In many cases, a spouse mistakenly believes a long-term separation is equivalent to a legal bigamous marriage divorce.

The complexity of international law also contributes to the frequency of bigamous marriages. If a foreign divorce is not legally recognized in a person's current home, their new marriage could be deemed bigamous.

Moving Forward Legally
The resolution of a bigamous situation almost always requires the intervention of a family law attorney. The party must properly end the first marriage before they can attempt to make the second union legal.

Understanding the gravity of a bigamous marriage is essential for anyone navigating the complexities of family law.