In many cultures, family members marrying within the extended family is common, and sometimes people wonder if it’s legal to marry a cousin. If you’re living in Delaware or planning to marry your cousin there, you might be wondering about the legal side of things.
While each state in the U.S. has different laws regarding marriage between relatives, Delaware has its own set of rules on this issue. In this article, we’ll explain what the law says about marrying your cousin in Delaware.
Is Marrying Your Cousin Legal in Delaware?
In Delaware, it is not illegal to marry your cousin. Unlike some states, Delaware does not have laws that completely ban cousin marriages. However, there are certain conditions that must be met, and restrictions based on relationships closer than cousins.
According to Delaware law, you can marry your first cousin without facing legal penalties. This means that if you and your cousin are first cousins (the children of your parents’ siblings), you can legally marry in Delaware.
What About Second and Third Cousins?
Marriage laws in Delaware don’t restrict second or third cousins either. Second cousins are the children of your parents’ first cousins, and third cousins are the children of your parents’ second cousins. Both second and third cousins are allowed to marry in Delaware without any legal issues.
In fact, many states have no restrictions on second and third cousins marrying, as the genetic risks involved are generally considered to be very low. Since Delaware only regulates first cousins and closer family relationships, second cousins and beyond are free to marry without any legal concerns.
Why Are First Cousin Marriages Banned in Some States?
While Delaware allows first cousins to marry, some states have restrictions on cousin marriages due to concerns about genetic risks. When close relatives like first cousins marry and have children, there is a slightly higher risk of passing on genetic disorders.
However, these risks are generally considered to be low enough that many states, like Delaware, do not impose a ban on cousin marriages.
The states that do prohibit first cousin marriages generally argue that the risks of inherited genetic disorders are too high, but scientific studies show that the chances of serious birth defects from cousin marriages are not much higher than those from other marriages. Still, the law varies widely depending on where you live.
Are There Any Other Restrictions on Marriage in Delaware?
While Delaware permits cousin marriages, there are other general rules about marriage that everyone must follow. For example, both parties must be of legal age to marry, which is 18 years or older in Delaware. If either individual is under 18, they would need parental consent and judicial approval to marry.
Additionally, Delaware law prohibits marriages between close relatives, such as siblings, parents, and children, regardless of whether they are biological or adopted. These types of marriages are considered incestuous and are illegal.
Can You Marry Your Cousin in Delaware?
In Delaware, it is legal to marry your first cousin. There are no state laws that ban cousin marriages, and this includes second and third cousins as well. While cousin marriages are not allowed in some states, Delaware’s laws are more relaxed on this matter.
However, it’s important to remember that laws surrounding marriage can vary by state, and what’s legal in Delaware might not be the same in other parts of the country. If you plan to marry a cousin, it’s always a good idea to check the specific laws in your state or consult a legal expert.
