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Can you be married to two people in Missouri?

Published in Missouri Marriage Law 2 mins read

No, it is not legal to be married to two people simultaneously in Missouri.

Understanding Marriage Legality in Missouri

Missouri law upholds the principle of monogamy, meaning a marriage is legally recognized only between two individuals. Attempting to marry a second person while still legally married to another is explicitly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offense known as bigamy.

What is Bigamy?

Bigamy occurs when an individual enters into a marriage with one person while still legally bound by a previous, undissolved marriage to another person. For a marriage to be valid in Missouri, any previous marriages of either party must have been legally terminated through divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse.

Legal Consequences of Bigamy in Missouri

In Missouri, the offense of bigamy carries significant legal penalties. According to state law, bigamy is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Here's a breakdown of what that entails:

Aspect Detail
Offense Name Bigamy
Offense Class Class A Misdemeanor
Potential Penalty Punishable by:
- Up to one year in county jail
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Or both jail time and a fine
Legal Basis Outlined in the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 568.010 (select "568.010. Bigamy").

Beyond criminal penalties, a bigamous marriage is considered null and void, meaning it holds no legal standing from its inception. This can lead to complex legal issues regarding property, inheritance, and child custody or support.

How to Legally Remarry in Missouri

If you wish to marry someone new in Missouri, you must first legally terminate any existing marriage. The primary ways to do this are:

  • Divorce: A legal process that formally dissolves a marriage.
  • Annulment: A legal declaration that a marriage was never valid from the beginning.
  • Death of a Spouse: The legal end of a marriage upon the passing of one spouse.

Ensuring your previous marriage is legally dissolved is a critical step before entering into a new marital agreement in Missouri to avoid facing charges of bigamy.