Select your state

Marriage

bigamy

Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while being legally married to another. Polygamy is the practice or custom (often religious) of having more than one wife or husband at a time. Most states prohibit a party from having more than one marriage license at a time, and in most states bigamy is a crime.

In Idaho, both bigamy and polygamy are illegal. Under Idaho Code § 18-401, bigamy is defined as the offense of marrying someone while already being lawfully married to another person. Bigamy is considered a felony in Idaho, and those convicted can face imprisonment. Polygamy, which involves having multiple spouses simultaneously, is not explicitly defined in Idaho statutes, but it falls under the umbrella of bigamy and is therefore also prohibited by the same laws. The state does not recognize any marriage that contravenes its prohibition on bigamy, rendering such marriages void. It's important to note that while some individuals may claim religious reasons for polygamous practices, these reasons do not provide legal justification for bigamy or polygamy in Idaho.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Individual & Family Legal Plan

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Marriage

bigamy

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Idaho State Code

Idaho State Code

Marriage

bigamy

Articles