If you’ve ever wondered how many times you can get married in Texas, you’re not alone. It’s an interesting question, and the answer might surprise you.
Texas doesn’t have a strict limit on the number of marriages you can have, but there are quite a few laws and processes to be aware of.
So, let’s get into what it really means to get married multiple times in Texas.
Is There a Limit on How Many Times You Can Marry?
The short answer? Nope! In Texas, there’s no cap on how many times you can say “I do.” As long as each previous marriage has been properly ended—whether through divorce, annulment, or the passing of a spouse—you are free to marry again.
There’s no official count on how many times you can do this. But just because it’s allowed doesn’t mean there aren’t rules. Texas law makes sure each marriage is valid and doesn’t overlap with a previous one.
Essentially, each marriage must follow all the legal steps, including dissolving any prior unions. Otherwise, you might find yourself in some legal hot water.
The Texas Penal Code, Section 25.01, states that an individual commits an offense if, while legally married, they marry or purport to marry another person, or live with another person under the appearance of being married. – Casetext
How to Get Married Again
So, if you’re thinking of remarrying, what do you need to know to make it happen legally? There are some specific requirements to follow for each new marriage.
1. Ending the Previous Marriage
First things first: before you can marry again, any previous marriage must be legally ended. That could mean finalizing a divorce, getting an annulment, or, sadly, a spouse passing away.
If this part isn’t taken care of, any new marriage would be considered illegal.
2. Getting a Marriage License
Each new marriage requires a brand-new marriage license. You can’t just dust off an old one. You’ll need to go to the county clerk’s office, apply for a marriage license, and pay the necessary fee.
Both of you have to show up in person, with valid IDs.
According to FindLaw, applicants for the marriage license must be at least 18 years old to get married without consent.
3. The Waiting Periods
@emilywaldd PSA to all couples getting married. Get your marriage license WITHIN 30 days #engaged #weddingplanning #marriagelicense ♬ original sound – emilywaldd
Texas has a couple of waiting periods to consider:
72-Hour Waiting Period
Once you get your marriage license, you have to wait 72 hours before the wedding can happen. This can be waived under certain circumstances, like if one partner is in the military or if you’ve taken a premarital education course, as per Texas Statutes.
30-Day Waiting Period After Divorce
According to Texas Family Code Section 6.802, if you’ve just finalized a divorce, Texas requires you to wait 30 days before getting married again.
This is kind of a cool-off period to make sure both parties are ready to move on. The only way to skip this is by asking the court to waive it.
Common Law Marriage
Besides traditional marriages, Texas also recognizes something called common law marriage—or informal marriage.
According to the Texas State Library, this type of union doesn’t involve a formal ceremony or a license, but it is considered valid under the law if certain conditions are met:
- Both parties must agree to be married.
- You must live together as a married couple in Texas.
- You need to present yourselves as married to others (think: introducing each other as spouses).
Legal Implications of Multiple Marriages
There are a few things you may want to consider before marrying multiple times. Even if the law says it’s okay, multiple marriages can lead to some complicated legal issues, especially when it comes to finances and family matters.
1. Alimony and Spousal Support
If you’ve been married before, you might still have financial obligations to an ex-spouse, like alimony or spousal support.
When getting remarried, it’s important to understand how these responsibilities might impact your new relationship.
2. Property Division
Marriages—and divorces—come with the challenge of dividing up property and assets. Anything acquired during a previous marriage may be divided upon divorce, which could impact what you bring into future unions.
These divisions can also become quite complex if children are involved or if there are multiple marriages to sort through.
3. Inheritance Concerns
More marriages mean more complexity when it comes to inheritance. Let’s say you have children from different marriages.
How do you ensure that everyone gets a fair share of what you leave behind? Without clear planning, this can lead to disputes among family members, so it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney about creating a solid will or estate plan.
4. Social Security Benefits
Did you know that your marital status can affect Social Security benefits? Remarriage can impact eligibility for benefits based on a former spouse’s earnings, especially if you were counting on certain benefits after divorce or widowhood.
Cultural and Social Considerations
Let’s be honest—marrying multiple times can sometimes lead to raised eyebrows. While there are no legal restrictions on how many times you can remarry, society doesn’t always respond with open arms.
Some communities may be more accepting, while others might be more judgmental about multiple marriages. Family dynamics can also become a bit tricky with more marriages.
Kids from previous relationships, stepchildren, and ex-partners all play a part in how smoothly—or not—a new marriage might go. If you’re marrying again, it’s worth considering the emotional impact on those around you and taking the time to have honest conversations with your loved ones.
Practical Steps Before Getting Married Again
If you’re thinking of getting married again in Texas, here are a few practical steps you might want to consider to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Consult a Family Law Attorney: Especially if you have prior marriages or children, getting some legal advice can help you navigate potential issues like alimony, inheritance, and property division.
- Be Honest About Finances: Multiple marriages come with more financial baggage. Having an open discussion about finances with your new partner can help prevent misunderstandings later.
- Consider Premarital Counseling: Marriage is a big step—even more so if it’s not your first time. Premarital counseling can be a great way to make sure both you and your future spouse are on the same page.
- Update Legal Documents: Be sure to update your will, beneficiaries, and any legal documents that might still name an ex-spouse. This helps avoid confusion or unintended consequences.
Why People Get Married Multiple Times
Many people find themselves marrying more than once, and it’s not always because the previous marriages ended badly. Sometimes life just moves in different directions. People grow, change, and, as a result, relationships may end—only for love to be found again later.
Second, third, or even fourth marriages can be opportunities for new beginnings. They’re about lessons learned, hopes renewed, and taking chances. Every marriage is unique, and every couple has their own story.
The beauty of the law in Texas is that it gives you the freedom to keep trying for love as many times as you’d like, with the condition that everything is done properly and above board.
Wrapping It Up
So, how many times can you get married in Texas? As many times as you want—provided that each previous marriage is legally dissolved before you enter into a new one.
While the law doesn’t put a cap on love, it does have clear rules to keep things organized and legal.
If you’re thinking about tying the knot again, make sure you’re aware of the legal implications, and don’t shy away from getting professional advice.
References
- casetext.com – A Texas Bigamy Defense
- findlaw.com – Texas Marriage License Requirements
- statutes.capitol.texas.gov – Texas Family Code
- texas.public.law – Fam. Code Section 6.802
- sll.texas.gov – Common Law Marriage
