Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 726.1 — Bigamy
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Subchapter I: General Provisions, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 726.1
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. a. Any person, having a living husband or wife, who marries another, commits bigamy.
b. Any person who marries another who the person knows has another living husband or wife commits bigamy.
2. Bigamy is a serious misdemeanor.
3. Any of the following is a defense to the charge of bigamy:
a. The prior marriage was terminated in accordance with applicable law, or the person reasonably believes on reasonably convincing evidence that the prior marriage was so terminated.
b. The person believes, on reasonably convincing evidence, that the prior spouse is dead.
c. The person has, for three years, had no evidence by which the person can reasonably believe that the prior spouse is alive.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.