Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Marriage of cousins

Yes, first cousins may lawfully marry each other in Massachusetts

Who can marry in Massachusetts, the longer answer

Limitations on who can marry in Massachusetts are controlled by MGL ch 207 sections 1,2 and 3. A marriage in violation is VOID from the outset, and both parties are guilty of incest, which is punishable by imprisonment in Massachusetts. The local twon clerks, who issue a marriage license, have a list of who may not marry, available when you apply for a marriage license.

The statute for a man states: "No man shall marry his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, stepmother, grandfather's wife, grandson's wife, wife's mother, wife's grandmother, wife's daughter, wife's granddaughter, brother's daughter, sister's daughter,father's sister, or mother's sister." The relationships survive the death or divorce of a person, unless the divorce was granted because the marriage that created the relationship in question was unlawful or void.

The town or City clerk who issues a marriage license will have the information for the applicants, and the one sure wat to get into trouble is to lie to the clerk when you apply for a marriage license. The town clerks have no sense of humor on this, nor does the District Attorney.