This is one of those weird topics, yet at the same time, it’s rather interesting.
Any supposed risk factors aside, can you legally marry your first cousin in any of the New England States? The answer is yes, for the most part.
Here’s a rundown of each state and its laws on marriage to your first cousin.
Maine
New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not allow first cousins to marry. However, it does allow first cousins to have sexual relations or cohabitation. It also voids all out-of-state marriages to first cousins if you move to New Hampshire. I’m so confused by this logic.
Vermont
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
You guessed it. Rhode Island has no problems with marriage or sexual relations with your first cousin.
Does this seem weird to you?
Well, according to a New York Times article from 2002, first cousins can have children together without a great risk of birth defects or genetic disease, and there is no biological reason to discourage cousins from marrying.
Should you be in the midst of a divorce or contemplating divorce, contact the Law Offices of Renee Lazar at 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour no obligation consultation.