Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Kansas? Here’s What the Law Says

Yes, it is against the law in Kansas to wed your first cousin. Such weddings are expressly forbidden by state law and are regarded as null and void. What you should know about Kansas’s legislation regarding cousin marriages is as follows:

Legal Prohibition

First cousin marriages are prohibited and null and void, according to Kansas law. According to the Kansas Statutes (K.S.A. 23-2503), all first cousin marriages are deemed to be incestuous and null and void.

Scope of the Law

In particular, first cousins are prohibited. In general, more distant cousin ties are allowed:

• First cousins once removed can legally marry in Kansas
• Second cousins and more distant relations are allowed to marry

No Exceptions

Kansas continues to forbid first cousin weddings within the state, in contrast to several other states that might offer exceptions depending on age or fertility. In Kansas, first cousins can lawfully get married under no exceptional circumstances.

Out-of-State Marriages

Although first cousin marriages are illegal in Kansas, there is a significant legal precedence for marriages consummated outside the state:

• The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that a first cousin marriage legally performed in another state must be recognized as valid when the couple returns to Kansas
• This ruling does not change the prohibition on performing such marriages within Kansas itself

Neighboring States

Colorado is the only state that permits first cousin weddings among those that border Kansas. If a couple wants their union to be recognized by the law, they may need to carefully weigh their options before being married.

Consequences

In Kansas, attempting to wed a first cousin would be regarded as null and void. Additionally, getting into such a relationship within the state can result in legal repercussions.People should be aware of these rules and seek legal advice from an expert if they have specific queries regarding their circumstances.

1. https://www.dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-kansas/
2. https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch23/023_025_0003.html
3. https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cousin-marriage-laws.html

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