Legal Definitions - simultaneous polygamy

Simultaneous polygamy refers to the practice or state of being legally married to more than one person at the same time. This means an individual has multiple spouses concurrently, without having dissolved any previous marriages. In many legal systems, particularly in Western countries, simultaneous polygamy is illegal and is often referred to as bigamy or polygamy, carrying legal penalties.

• Example 1: Illegal Marriage in a Monogamous Jurisdiction

  A man named Robert legally marries Lisa in a state that recognizes only monogamous marriages. Two years later, without divorcing Lisa, Robert participates in a marriage ceremony with Maria, intending to be married to both women simultaneously. This situation exemplifies simultaneous polygamy, which would be illegal in that state and could lead to charges of bigamy against Robert.

• Example 2: Legally Recognized Plural Marriages

  In a country where specific religious or customary laws permit it, a woman named Zara legally marries two husbands, Omar and Karim, and they all live together as a recognized family unit. Under the laws of that particular jurisdiction, Zara's marriages to Omar and Karim are both valid and concurrent, making this a legally sanctioned instance of simultaneous polygamy.

• Example 3: Attempted Benefit Fraud

  Sarah is legally married to Michael and is covered under his employer's health insurance plan. She then attempts to marry David, without divorcing Michael, in order to also gain access to David's more comprehensive health insurance benefits. Her attempt to maintain two simultaneous legal marriages, even if one is primarily for financial gain, constitutes simultaneous polygamy and would be illegal and fraudulent in jurisdictions that only recognize one spouse at a time.