Marriage laws vary significantly across the United States, and one of the questions that often arises is whether it’s legal to marry a cousin. In Arizona, the answer is a bit more straightforward than in some other states. While marrying a cousin may sound unusual or uncomfortable to some, it’s important to know what the law actually says to avoid any confusion.
In Arizona, it is legal to marry your cousin. There are no laws that specifically prohibit first cousins from getting married in the state. Arizona’s laws on marriage, as outlined in its state statutes, do not make any distinction between cousin relationships when it comes to marriage eligibility. This means that as long as both individuals are of legal age and meet other requirements (such as being unmarried to others), they can legally marry one another.
However, it’s worth noting that while marriage between cousins is legal, there are certain health considerations often discussed in relation to cousin marriages, such as the potential for genetic disorders in children. These concerns, though, are not reflected in the state’s legal framework. The law does not impose any restrictions on cousin marriages based on genetic or health factors, leaving that decision largely up to the individuals involved.
It’s also important to recognize that this situation is not universally accepted across the country. Some states impose restrictions on cousin marriages, especially when it comes to first cousins, but Arizona is not one of those states. This means that if you’re a resident of Arizona or plan to marry a cousin in the state, you don’t need to worry about legal barriers preventing you from doing so.
In Arizona, it is perfectly legal to marry your cousin, and there are no state laws that would prevent you from doing so, as long as you meet the general legal requirements for marriage. However, like all major life decisions, it’s essential to consider the personal, familial, and potential health impacts before proceeding.
Sources
[1] https://www.arizonalawgroup.com/arizona-divorce/about-marriage-in-arizona/
[2] https://www.arizonalawgroup.com/arizona-family-law-statutes/ars-25-101-void-and-prohibited-marriages/
[3] https://divorcemediationtucson.com/family-law/marriage-law-basics-legal-requirements-and-implications/
[4] https://cardozolawreview.com/the-unconstitutionality-of-state-bans-on-marriage-between-first-cousins/
[5] https://shellesimonlaw.com/first-cousin-marriage-under-us-immigration-law/
