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Top Five Strange Marriage Laws in the United States

Marriage can be confusing enough on its own, but several states still have laws on the books that may make you scratch your head.

  1. In Kentucky, it’s illegal to remarry the same person four times.
  2. In Tennessee, a person may file for divorce on the grounds that their spouse made an attempt on their life by poison or other means showing malice.
  3. Adulterers beware! New Mexico and Mississippi each have a divorce law that allows the victim of adultery to sue the paramour of the cheating spouse for damages.
  4. California, Colorado, Montana, and yes, even Texas, allow for the practice of marriage by proxy, which means someone stands in for a bride or groom who can’t be present at his or her wedding. This is limited to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, but is still in practice today.
  5. In South Carolina, under the Offenses Against Morality and Decency Act, it is illegal for men over the age of sixteen to propose marriage as a joke.  If they don’t mean it when they say it, they have committed a misdemeanor

Last Updated on June 24, 2018 by Mary E. Ramos

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Mary E. Ramos

Mary E. Ramos is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is recognized and respected throughout the Houston legal community for dedication in effectively representing clients’ rights and interests. Mary understands the emotional side of divorce and brings a special compassion to each and every case.

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