Bigamy and polygamous marriages in the UK

A person cannot get married in the UK if they are already married or in a civil partnership. If they have been married before, they must be widowed or divorce. Likewise, if they were previously in a civil partnership, this must be dissolved. Legal separation is not sufficient.

Marrying whilst you are already married or in a civil partnership may mean that you are committing bigamy, which is a criminal offence punishable by up to 7 years in prison under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Furthermore, the second ‘marriage’ will be void.

However, if polygamy is permitted in the country where the parties are domiciled and where their polygamous marriage takes place, it will be recognised as legally valid in England and Wales. For example, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a man can marry up to four wives, in accordance with sharia law. Therefore, if a man domiciled in the UAE married for a second, third, or fourth time there, the marriage will be recognised as valid in England and Wales.

If you are considering a divorce and are concerned about the validity of your marriage in England and Wales, contact Vardags today for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.

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