Legal Definitions - successive polygamy

Successive Polygamy

Successive polygamy refers to the act of entering into a new marriage while still being legally married to another person, without the prior marriage having been properly dissolved through a divorce, annulment, or the death of the previous spouse. In legal systems where monogamy (being married to only one person at a time) is the standard, this act is typically illegal and is often referred to as bigamy. It is distinct from forms of polygamy where multiple concurrent marriages are legally recognized within a specific culture or jurisdiction.

Here are some examples illustrating successive polygamy:

• Example 1: Undissolved First Marriage

  Sarah marries Mark. Years later, they separate, and Sarah moves to a different city. Without ever filing for divorce or ensuring her marriage to Mark is legally ended, Sarah meets David and marries him in a new ceremony.

  This illustrates successive polygamy because Sarah entered into a second marriage with David while her first marriage to Mark was still legally valid and undissolved. Even if she believed the separation was sufficient, the law requires a formal dissolution (like a divorce) before remarrying.

• Example 2: Premature Remarriage During Divorce Proceedings

  John files for divorce from Lisa. While the divorce case is still actively moving through the court system and before the judge has issued a final divorce decree, John decides to marry his new partner, Emily, in a small ceremony.

  This is an instance of successive polygamy because John remarried Emily before his divorce from Lisa was legally finalized. Even though divorce proceedings were underway, the first marriage remained legally binding until the court issued its final order.

• Example 3: Deceptive Remarriage for Benefit

  Maria is legally married to Carlos in her home country. She then travels to another country, intentionally conceals her existing marriage, and marries a citizen of that country to gain immigration benefits.

  This demonstrates successive polygamy because Maria entered into a second marriage while her first marriage to Carlos was still legally recognized and active. Her intent to deceive or gain benefits does not alter the fact that she was legally married to two different people simultaneously.