Is it legal to marry my first cousin?
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Is it legal to marry my first cousin?
I intend to marry my first cousin (father’s brothers son).
Asked on June 23, 2011 under Family Law, Indiana
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The law regarding the marriage between cousins varies from state to state. Some states strictly forbid the marriage of first cousins, some states allow them and some states allow them with exceptions. Here is the law in Indiana as I understand it to be, but I would double check with an attorney in your area:
"Two (2) individuals may not marry each other if the individuals are more closely related than second cousins. However, two (2) individuals may marry each other if the individuals are:
(1) first cousins; and
(2) both at least sixty-five (65) years of age."
So the answer to your particular question appears to be no, as first cousins can not marry in Indiana. Good luck to you.
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