In-Law Co-Parents: Can They Marry?

In England and Wales, it is legal for co-parents-in-law to marry. This is also the case in Canada, unless the parents fall within the prohibition at Section 2(2) of the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act, S.C. 1990, c. 46. If co-parents-in-law were to marry, their respective married children would become step-siblings.

In England and Wales, co-parents-in-law are allowed to marry

For example, if A and B are widows and dating each other, and their respective children C and D are dating, it is allowed for C and D to first be married and then for A and B to marry. However, the reverse order is not allowed. This is because the law intends for C and D to not be both step-siblings and married.

In Judaism, co-parents-in-law are also allowed to marry. This is because, if married, the children could maintain one residence for the parents rather than two.

In Canada, one spouse's parent may marry a parent of the other spouse unless those to-be-married parents fall within the prohibition at Section 2(2) of the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act, S.C. 1990, c. 46.

In Canada, co-parents-in-law are allowed to marry

In other words, if A and B are spouses, A's parent is not prohibited from marrying B's parent merely due to the fact that their children are spouses. However, if C and D are siblings, and C marries A and D marries B, then A and B's parents cannot marry.

This situation is not unique to Canada. In England and Wales, for example, co-parents-in-law are also allowed to marry.

Co-parents-in-law marrying would make their respective married children step-siblings

In England and Wales, it is legal for co-parents-in-law to marry. This is because co-parents-in-law are not on the list of relationships that cannot marry. This would make their respective married children step-siblings.

In Canada, one spouse's parent may marry a parent of the other spouse unless those to-be-married parents fall within the prohibition at Section 2 (2) of the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act, S.C. 1990, c. 46.

In Judaism, co-parents-in-law can marry each other, which would mean that the children could maintain one residence for the parents rather than two.

Step-siblings cannot marry

In some cases, step-siblings may be able to marry if they are not genetically related and do not fall within the prohibited degrees of relationship. For instance, in Canada, one spouse's parent may marry a parent of the other spouse unless those parents fall within the prohibition at Section 2(2) of the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act, S.C. 1990, c. 46.

The laws surrounding marriage and relationships can be complex and vary depending on the jurisdiction. It is always important to consult with a legal professional or refer to the specific laws and regulations in your area to understand the specific restrictions and requirements that may apply.

While step-siblings cannot marry, it is possible for them to have a close and loving relationship. They can support each other emotionally, spend time together, and create lasting memories. However, it is essential to respect the boundaries of the step-sibling relationship and not cross any legal or ethical lines.

Overall, while step-siblings cannot marry due to legal and ethical restrictions, they can still have meaningful and fulfilling relationships within the boundaries of their family dynamics.

Co-parents-in-law can marry if their children are already married

If co-parents-in-law were not allowed to marry, then children could stop their parents from marrying by getting married first. This would mean that step-siblings could not marry, but co-parents-in-law could. It seems that the spirit of the law is for step-siblings to not be both married and step-siblings.

There is also the issue of maintaining one residence for the parents rather than two.

Frequently asked questions