No, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Georgia. Georgia law specifically outlines which familial relationships are prohibited for marriage, and first cousins are not included in that list.
What Relationships Are Prohibited?
Under Georgia Code § 19-3-3, marriage is prohibited between the following relatives:
- Father and daughter or stepdaughter
- Mother and son or stepson
- Brother and sister (whole or half-blood)
- Grandparent and grandchild
- Aunt and nephew
- Uncle and niece
Anyone who marries within these degrees of relationship faces criminal penalties and the marriage is considered void from its inception.
Notably, first cousins are NOT mentioned among the prohibited relationships.
This means that first cousin marriage is legal and recognized in Georgia.
Legal Authority and Precedent
- The Georgia Attorney General has explicitly stated that marriage between first cousins is legal and proper in Georgia.
- Third cousins may also legally marry in Georgia.
- If someone has married their first cousin, they would need to seek a divorce, not an annulment, if they wish to end the marriage, as the marriage itself is valid under state law.
Key Takeaway
You can legally marry your first cousin in Georgia. There are no state laws prohibiting such a marriage, and it will be recognized as valid under Georgia law.
If you have questions about your specific situation or need legal advice, consult a family law attorney familiar with Georgia statutes.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.allfamilylaw.com/blog/2016/09/can-you-marry-your-cousin-in-georgia/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2020/title-19/chapter-3/article-1/section-19-3-3/
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/georgia-law/georgia-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
- https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-19/chapter-3/article-1/section-19-3-3/