BAKU, July 24, 2025 — Unregistered marriages that are not officially recognized by the state do not carry legal weight, depriving individuals of legal protection and creating various risks, including property disputes and complications involving children.
This was stated by Taliya Ibragimova, head of the Legal Support Department of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs.
She emphasized that according to Azerbaijani law, only marriages registered with the state are considered legally valid.
“There have been concerns that the recent ban on cousin marriages could lead to a rise in informal unions. It should be noted that unregistered marriages do not establish rights and obligations between spouses under family law,” Ibragimova said to Report.
She added that such unions exclude individuals from state protection in areas such as inheritance law, alimony, division of joint property, taxation, and social security. Establishing the legal status of children born in these marriages — such as paternity recognition and securing civil rights — can also be difficult.
“It is important for individuals to consider the legal and social consequences of unregistered marriages and comply with the requirements of the law,” she stressed.
Ibragimova also noted that public attitudes toward cousin marriages remain mixed. “Some people view the ban as a necessary step to protect the health of future generations, while others, especially in regions where such unions are part of long-standing traditions, may need more time, education, and awareness to fully adapt to the legal changes,” she said.
