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

First cousin marriages are prohibited in Nebraska. Nebraska Revised Statute 42-103, which declares that marriages are null and void when the parties are connected as first cousins of whole blood, among other close relationships like siblings and parent-child, makes this ban quite explicit.

Key Points on Cousin Marriage in Nebraska:

• First Cousins: Marriages between first cousins are not permitted in Nebraska. This includes cousins who share both parents (whole blood) but does not extend to half-cousins, who are allowed to marry.
• Allowed Relationships: While first cousins cannot marry, individuals may marry second cousins and more distant relatives without legal issues. Additionally, marriages between first cousins once removed (the children of first cousins) are permissible.
• Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages: Nebraska recognizes marriages between first cousins that were legally performed in other states where such unions are allowed. A historical case from 1910 established that a marriage between first cousins conducted in Iowa was valid upon their return to Nebraska.
• No Exceptions: Nebraska does not provide any exceptions or allowances for first cousin marriages based on age or other criteria, maintaining a blanket ban on such unions within the state.

In conclusion, you should be informed that it is illegal to marry a first cousin in Nebraska if you are thinking about doing so.

Sources:

1. https://www.dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-nebraska/
2. https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cousin-marriage-laws.html
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States

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