United States. Polygamy is the act or condition of a person marrying another person while still being lawfully married to another spouse. It is illegal in the United States. The crime is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both, according to the law of the individual state and the circumstances of the offense.

Can you sue someone for bigamy?

Proof of Bigamy While the spouse does not necessarily need proof of the act of bigamy for the criminal courts, he or she would need it for the civil courts. Collecting the evidence may help the person sue the spouse for damages. However, the evidence may also convict him of criminal bigamy with a judge or jury.

How does someone get charged with bigamy?

If the man or woman enters into a romantic relationship with another and decides to marry before divorcing or annulling a previous legal marriage, he or she commits bigamy. The second relationship is not legally binding and could lead to criminal charges for the person engaging in these activities.