consanguinity

Consanguinity is the relationship between people who share a common ancestor, distinguishing relatives by blood from those related by affinity. Affinity refers to relationships created by marriage. Consanguinity is particularly important in the context of marriage statutes, which often restrict marriages between individuals too closely related by blood.

For example, New Hampshire prohibits certain marriages within specified degrees of consanguinity. North Dakota has a similar restriction. Georgia prohibits marriages within prohibited degrees of both consanguinity and affinity.

[Last reviewed in September of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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