Marriage: it’s a legally binding contract with huge social implications. But how many times can you actually say “I do” here in the Lone Star State?
Texas law does allow for multiple marriages, but there are some important rules you need to know. The main one? You can’t be married to more than one person at the same time.
This article will walk you through the legal framework, any restrictions that apply, what you need to know about divorce, and the potential implications of getting married multiple times in Texas. So, let’s get started.
The Legal Framework: Marriage and Divorce in Texas
So, how many times can you get married in Texas? Let’s break down the rules.
No Limit on Number of Marriages, With Conditions
Texas law doesn’t say you can only get married a certain number of times. You can tie the knot as often as you like, as long as you’ve legally ended all previous marriages through divorce or annulment.
You can have sequential marriages, one after the other, but you absolutely cannot be married to more than one person at a time. Bigamy, or having multiple spouses, is a criminal offense in Texas and can land you in jail and cost you a lot in fines.
Essential Requirements for a Valid Marriage
To have a legal marriage in Texas, you have to meet certain conditions, like age, consent, and proper licensing.
Generally, you have to be at least 18 to get married in Texas, but minors can marry with parental consent or a judge’s approval, as long as they’re at least 16. You also have to get a marriage license before the ceremony, and Texas has a 72-hour waiting period between getting the license and saying “I do.”
The Divorce Process: Ending a Marriage in Texas
Ending a marriage in Texas means going through the legal process of divorce. Here’s a rundown of what that looks like:
Grounds for Divorce
Texas recognizes two basic types of divorce: no-fault and fault-based. With a no-fault divorce, you’re basically saying that you and your spouse can’t get along and there’s no reasonable chance of reconciliation. Fault-based divorces, on the other hand, involve allegations of wrongdoing, such as adultery, abandonment, or cruel treatment.
Residency and Waiting Period
To file for divorce in Texas, you have to live in the state for at least six months and in the county where you’re filing for at least 90 days. Once you file, there’s a 60-day waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce. It’s also important to know that there’s a 30-day waiting period between when your divorce is final and when you can legally get married again in Texas.
Division of Property
Texas is a community property state, which means that anything you and your spouse acquired during the marriage is considered to be owned equally by both of you. This community property is subject to a fair and equitable division when you get divorced. Separate property, like things you owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance, isn’t subject to division.
Financial and legal implications of multiple marriages
While Texas doesn’t put a limit on how often you can marry, there are some financial and legal implications to consider, especially if you’ve been married before.
Prenuptial agreements
If you’re thinking of marrying again, you might want to consider a prenuptial agreement. A “prenup” is a legal document you and your future spouse sign before you marry. It spells out what will happen to your assets and debts should you ever divorce. These agreements are particularly useful in remarriages, as they can protect your assets and clarify financial responsibilities.
Prenups can define what is considered separate property, and they can specify exactly how your assets will be divided if you divorce.
Spousal and child support
Remarriage can affect spousal support (alimony) orders from a previous marriage. In fact, just cohabitating with a new partner may affect your spousal support obligations.
Child support obligations are based on the needs of the child and the income of the parents. However, if either parent remarries, that could influence the child support calculations if the parents’ circumstances change.
Social Security and inheritance
Having multiple marriages and divorces can complicate Social Security benefits and inheritance rights, so it’s a good idea to talk with a financial advisor and an estate planning attorney about these issues.
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Getting Married Multiple Times
Even though Texas law doesn’t limit how many times you can get married, cultural and religious beliefs can affect people’s attitudes toward multiple marriages.
In some communities, marrying more than once can carry a social stigma. Public perception can influence your decisions and even impact your family relationships.
Consider the lives of some famous people:
- Larry King, a well-known TV and radio host, was married eight times to seven different women.
- Willie Nelson, the iconic country singer, has been married four times.
These examples show just how much people’s experiences can vary.
Common-Law Marriage: Another Way to Tie the Knot
Texas also recognizes common-law marriage, sometimes called informal marriage. This means that you can be considered legally married in Texas without a formal ceremony or marriage license.
To establish a common-law marriage in Texas, you and your partner must:
- Agree that you are married
- Live together as husband and wife
- Tell other people that you are married
While it’s not required, you can file a “Declaration of Informal Marriage” with your county clerk to officially document your common-law marriage. This can be helpful for legal and administrative purposes down the road.
Illegal Marriages: Restrictions and Consequences
Although Texas has few limitations on how many times you can marry, the state does prohibit certain types of marriage.
- Bigamy, or being married to more than one person, is illegal.
- Marrying someone under 16 is illegal, even if you have parental consent or a court order.
- Marriage to a close relative is illegal.
Illegal marriages can have severe legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you marry more than 5 times in Texas?
Absolutely! There’s no limit to the number of times you can legally marry in Texas. As long as each previous marriage has been legally terminated through divorce or the death of a spouse, you’re free to walk down the aisle as many times as your heart desires. The Lone Star State doesn’t keep count!
What is the “6-month rule” in Texas?
The “6-month rule” refers to a Texas law that restricts a person from marrying someone else within 6 months of a divorce being finalized, if they were found guilty of adultery in the divorce proceedings. This doesn’t prevent you from remarrying your ex-spouse within that period. It is meant to prevent someone from quickly marrying the person they had an affair with before the divorce is final. However, if the adultery wasn’t a factor in the divorce, this rule doesn’t apply.
Is there a limit to how many times you can get married?
Nope! As long as each marriage is legally dissolved, Texas law doesn’t restrict how many times you can marry. You can marry again and again, provided you are legally single each time you say “I do.” So, go forth and find love (or love again!), but always ensure you’re doing so within the bounds of the law.
Putting It All Together
Texas law allows you to marry more than once, but it’s important to consider all the legal, financial, and social ramifications of doing so.
If you’re thinking about getting remarried, it’s a good idea to talk with a family law attorney and a financial advisor first. With careful planning and informed decision-making, you can ensure that your new marriage is both successful and legally sound.