Legal Definitions - polygamy

Polygamy refers to the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. In the United States, polygamy is illegal in all states and is considered a criminal offense. This means that a person cannot be legally married to more than one individual simultaneously.

Here are some examples illustrating polygamy:

• Scenario: David is legally married to Sarah. Without obtaining a divorce from Sarah, he participates in a formal marriage ceremony with Emily, intending to be married to both women concurrently.
  Explanation: David's action of attempting to marry Emily while still legally married to Sarah constitutes polygamy, as he is trying to establish two simultaneous spousal relationships, which is prohibited by U.S. law.
• Scenario: Maria, a U.S. citizen, travels to a country where plural marriages are legally recognized and marries a second husband while still legally married to her first husband back in her home state. Upon returning to the U.S., she attempts to register her second marriage with local authorities or claim spousal benefits for both individuals.
  Explanation: Although the second marriage might be legal in another country, U.S. law does not recognize it. Maria's attempt to maintain or formalize two simultaneous spousal relationships within the U.S. legal system would be considered polygamy and is illegal.
• Scenario: A man lives with two women, presenting both as his wives to different social circles and sharing finances and responsibilities as if they were all legally married. While he is only legally married to one of the women, if he were to attempt to obtain a marriage license and solemnize a marriage with the second woman without divorcing his first wife, he would be engaging in polygamy.
  Explanation: The underlying practice of maintaining multiple spousal relationships simultaneously is the essence of polygamy. Any attempt to formalize these additional relationships through legal marriage without dissolving the existing one would be unlawful under U.S. law.