Kara Sears
The term cousin-in-law is often used to refer to either your cousin's spouse or your spouse's cousin. However, the more accurate term for the former relationship is cousin by marriage. While the term cousin-in-law is recognized by some dictionaries, it is not commonly used in conversation, and people may prefer to use the term cousin for their cousin's spouse to make them feel more comfortable. In a legal context, the definition of related by marriage may differ depending on the jurisdiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A cousin-in-law is the wife or husband of one's cousin; a cousin of one's wife or one's husband |
| Social Context | The term "cousin-in-law" is used to keep cousins at a distance, while saying "my wife's cousin" makes people feel more comfortable. |
| Legal Context | The term "cousin-in-law" is not recognized legally, and the definition of "related by marriage" may differ by jurisdiction. |
| Alternative Term | "Cousin by marriage" is a more accurate term. |
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What You'll Learn
The spouse of your cousin is your cousin-in-law
The term "cousin-in-law" is often used to refer to the spouse of one's cousin. However, the term can also be used to refer to the cousin of one's spouse. This usage can lead to confusion, as the same term is being used to describe two different relationships. For example, the cousin of your spouse is also your cousin, so the spouse of your cousin is more accurately your "cousin by marriage".
The use of the term "cousin-in-law" to describe the spouse of your cousin is more common in certain parts of the United States. However, it is not a legally recognised term, and the definition of "related by marriage" may differ depending on the jurisdiction. In a social sense, the term "cousin-in-law" can be used to describe a more distant relationship, while "cousin" may be used to make the relationship seem closer.
When filling out a job application or legal document, it is important to clarify the specific degree of kinship being asked about. In most cases, a "relative" is considered to be an immediate family member, such as a parent, spouse, child, or sibling, and would not include cousins or cousins-in-law. However, it is always best to ask for clarification from the employer or legal authority to ensure that you are providing accurate information.
Overall, while the term "cousin-in-law" is used to describe the spouse of one's cousin, it is important to note that this is a social rather than a legal term, and the specific usage may vary depending on the cultural and social context.
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Your spouse's cousin is also your cousin-in-law
The term "cousin-in-law" is used to refer to two distinct relationships. Firstly, it can refer to the spouse of your cousin. Secondly, it can refer to your spouse's cousin. Therefore, your spouse's cousin is also your cousin-in-law. This term is used to describe the relationship between non-blood relatives, as a cousin-in-law is someone who enters your family through marriage rather than a blood relation.
The term "cousin-in-law" is often used to simplify family relationships and is easier to understand than other terms such as "my grandparents' son/daughter-in-law". While the term is commonly used and understood, it is important to note that it may not hold any legal significance. The definition of "related by marriage" can vary depending on the jurisdiction and cultural context.
Some people may prefer to use other terms to describe these relationships, such as “cousin's spouse" or "co-cousin-in-law". However, the term "cousin-in-law" is widely recognised and accepted as a valid description of the relationship between your spouse's cousin and yourself. This term can be helpful when navigating complex family dynamics and relationships, especially when it comes to extended family members.
In conclusion, your spouse's cousin is indeed your cousin-in-law. This term is a convenient way to describe the relationship between you and your spouse's cousin, although it may not carry any legal implications. It is always a good idea to consult a lawyer or legal expert for specific questions regarding legal definitions of family relationships.
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Cousin-in-law is not a legally recognised term
A cousin-in-law is not a legally recognised term. This means that, legally, a cousin-in-law is not considered a family member. A cousin-in-law is either the spouse of one's cousin or the cousin of one's spouse. They are related to you by marriage, not by blood.
While a cousin-in-law is not a blood relation, they are still a relative in the sense that they are part of your family tree. If your cousin and their spouse have children, those children will be your first cousins once removed. Your cousins' children would be second cousins to your children. These children share the same generation as you but with an additional generation between you and your common ancestor.
The closeness between you and your cousin-in-law will likely depend on the relationship between you and your cousin. If you see each other often, you may form a friendship, and your children can grow up knowing one another.
In terms of a job application, a relative is usually considered an immediate family member, such as a parent, spouse, child, or sibling. A cousin-in-law is not typically considered an immediate relative, so you could answer "no" on a job application that asks if you have any relatives working for the company. However, it is always best to ask the employer what degree of kinship they are asking about.
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Cousin-in-law is a term used to keep cousins of cousins at a distance
The term "cousin-in-law" is often used to refer to either your cousin's spouse or your spouse's cousin. However, the more accurate term for the former relationship would be “cousin by marriage”. The term "cousin-in-law" is not widely used and may sound strange to some people.
Legally and anthropologically, the term "in-law" only applies to immediate family members, such as parents, spouses, children, and siblings. Relationships by marriage are not recognized beyond this immediate circle. However, socially, people may use the term "cousin-in-law" to refer to cousins of cousins and create a sense of distance. This usage may be influenced by cultural and temporal factors, as different cultures and time periods recognize different degrees of kinship.
For example, in some parts of the United States, it is common to refer to people as "related by marriage" even if they are not immediate family members. In this context, using the term "cousin-in-law" to describe a cousin of a cousin could be understood as a way to acknowledge a distant kinship while still maintaining a sense of separation.
It is important to note that the legal definition of "related by marriage" may differ depending on the jurisdiction. Therefore, the usage of the term "cousin-in-law" and its implications can vary based on legal and cultural contexts.
In summary, the term "cousin-in-law" can be used to describe cousins of cousins, but it is not a widely accepted or accurate term for this relationship. Its usage may be influenced by cultural and legal perceptions of kinship and may serve to create a sense of distance or acknowledgment of a distant connection.
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A cousin-in-law is not considered an immediate relative
A cousin-in-law is a relative in the sense that they are part of your family tree. This term refers to two distinct relationships: either the spouse of one’s biological cousin or the biological cousin of one’s spouse. This term bridges both familial and marital connections, providing a succinct descriptor for the relationship between non-blood relatives. While a cousin-in-law is a real thing, they are not considered an immediate relative.
Immediate family typically includes one's spouse, parents, or unmarried children below the age of 21. In some cases, siblings may be included, but this is not always the case. Half-siblings, stepsiblings, and other near relatives are often legally ambiguous. A cousin-in-law does not fall into any of these categories, and therefore, they are not considered immediate family.
In the context of U.S. immigration, "immediate family" specifically refers to one's spouse, parents, or unmarried children under the age of 21. This definition aligns with the common understanding of immediate family as the smallest family unit. Companies, organizations, and policymakers may define "immediate family" differently to meet their specific criteria. For example, some companies may include siblings or extended family members such as aunts, uncles, or cousins in their definition of immediate family for benefits and leave purposes.
While a cousin-in-law is not considered an immediate relative, they are still a part of one's broader family tree. The level of closeness between a person and their cousin-in-law often depends on the relationship with their cousin. If there is frequent contact, a friendship may develop between the cousin-in-law and the individual, and their respective children can grow up knowing each other.
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Frequently asked questions
A cousin-in-law is the spouse of your cousin or your spouse's cousin.
In a legal context, a relative is usually considered to be an immediate family member (parents, spouse, children, siblings, in-laws) and not a cousin of your in-laws. However, in a social context, you may refer to someone as your cousin-in-law to indicate a degree of separation from your immediate family.
The spouse of your cousin can be referred to as your cousin-in-law or cousin by marriage.
Your spouse's cousin can also be referred to as your cousin-in-law or cousin by marriage.
The term "cousin-in-law" is not commonly used and may sound strange to some people. In social situations, it may be more natural to refer to your cousin's husband" or "wife" or your wife's/husband's cousin" rather than using the term "cousin-in-law".
