If youโve ever wondered how many times you can get married in Texas, you’re not alone. Itโs an interesting question, and the answer might surprise you.
Texasย doesn’t have a strict limitย 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.
Table of Contents
ToggleIs There a Limit on How Many Times You Can Marry?
The short answer? Nope! In Texas, thereโs no cap on how many times you can say โI do.โ As long as each previous marriage has been properly endedโwhether through divorce, annulment, or the passing of a spouseโyou are free to marry again.
Thereโsย no official count on how many times you can do this. But just because itโs allowed doesn’t mean there aren’t rules. Texas law makes sure each marriage is valid and doesnโt overlap with a previous one.
Essentially, each marriage must follow all the legal steps, includingย dissolving any prior unions. Otherwise, you might find yourself in some legal hot water.
The Texas Penal Code,ย 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. –ย Casetext
How to Get Married Again
So, if youโre 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 marriageย 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. Youโll need to go to the county clerkโs office, apply for a marriage license, and pay the necessary fee.
Both of you have to show up in person, with valid IDs.
According toย FindLaw, applicants for the marriage license must beย at least 18 years oldย 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 โฌ 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 youโve taken a premarital education course, as perย Texas Statutes.
30-Day Waiting Period After Divorce
According toย Texas Family Code Section 6.802, if youโve just finalized a divorce, Texas requires you to waitย 30 daysย 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 marriageโorย informal marriage.
According to theย Texas State Library, this type of union doesnโt involve a formal ceremony or a license, butย it is considered validย 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 youโve been married before, you might still have financial obligations to an ex-spouse, like alimony or spousal support.
When getting remarried, itโs important to understand how these responsibilities might impact your new relationship.
2. Property Division
Marriagesโand divorcesโcome 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. Letโs 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 itโs 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 spouseโs earnings, especially if you were counting on certain benefits after divorce or widowhood.
Cultural and Social Considerations
Letโs be honestโmarrying multiple times can sometimes lead to raised eyebrows. While there are no legal restrictions on how many times you can remarry, society doesnโt 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 smoothlyโor notโa new marriage might go. If youโre marrying again, itโs 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 stepโeven more so if itโs 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 itโs not always because the previous marriages ended badly. Sometimes life just moves in different directions. People grow, change, and, as a result, relationships may endโonly for love to be found again later.
Second, third, or even fourth marriages can be opportunities for new beginnings. Theyโre 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 youโd 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 wantโprovided that each previous marriage is legally dissolved before you enter into a new one.
While the law doesnโt 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 youโre aware of the legal implications, and donโt 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
Related Posts:
- Can the Police Help You Get Back Into Your House…
- What is the SB17 Law in Texas and How It Can Affect…
- Can You Bring a Water Bottle on a Plane? Everything…
- How Many International Airports Are There In The US in 2024?
- Can You Bring Dry Shampoo On a Plane? 2024 Rules
- 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas in 2024 You Should…