Section 17. If a marriage is declared void by reason of a prior marriage of either party and the court finds that the second marriage was contracted with the full belief of the party who was capable of contracting the second marriage that the former husband or wife was dead, or that the former marriage was void, or that a divorce had been adjudged leaving the party to the former marriage free to marry again, or that there was no former marriage, such finding shall be stated in the judgment, and the issue of the second marriage, if born or begotten before the second marriage was declared void, shall be the legitimate issue of the parent capable of contracting the marriage.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title III - Domestic Relations
Section 1 - Marriage of Man to Certain Relatives Prohibited
Section 2 - Marriage of Woman to Certain Relatives Prohibited
Section 3 - Application of Secs. 1 and 2
Section 4 - Polygamy Prohibited; Exception
Section 6 - Marriage During Existence of Former Marriage; Validity
Section 7 - Marriage of Minors Prohibited; Exception
Section 8 - Prohibited Marriages Void Without Judgment
Section 10 - Prohibited Foreign Marriages; Null and Void
Section 14 - Determination of Validity of Marriage
Section 15 - Issue of Certain Void Marriages
Section 16 - Issue of Marriage Void by Reason of Nonage or Insanity
Section 17 - Issue of Marriage Void by Reason of Prior Marriage
Section 18 - Care and Maintenance of Children After Judgment of Nullity of Marriage; Power of Court
Section 19 - Intention of Marriage; Situs; Time; Fees
Section 20 - Intention of Marriage; Written Notice; Oath
Section 23 - Intention of Marriage; Notice; Time and Situs of Receiving
Section 24 - Intention of Marriage; Nonage Minors; Receiving of Notice Prohibited
Section 25 - Nonage Minors; Authorization of Marriage
Section 26 - Intention of Marriage; Notice Without Consent; Liability; Cancellation
Section 27 - Intention of Marriage; Adopted Persons
Section 28 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Delivery; Time
Section 29 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Issuance to Immigrants
Section 30 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Dispensing With Three Days' Notice
Section 31 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Prohibition of Alteration
Section 33a - Intention of Marriage; Proof of Age
Section 35 - Refusal of Certificate of Intention of Marriage
Section 37 - Impediments to Marriage; List; Posting
Section 38 - Solemnization of Marriage; Situs; Persons Authorized
Section 39 - Solemnization of Marriage; Justice or Non-Resident Clergymen
Section 40 - Solemnization of Marriage; Records; Returns
Section 41 - Solemnization of Marriage; Imperfect Certificates; Correction
Section 42 - Irregular Solemnization of Marriage; Validity
Section 43 - Solemnization of Marriage by Consul
Section 44 - Solemnization of Marriage; Fees
Section 45 - Evidence of Marriage; Record
Section 46 - Evidence of Marriage; Certificate of Consul
Section 47 - Evidence of Marriage; Admissions; Repute; Cohabitation
Section 47a - Breach of Contract to Marry Not Actionable
Section 47b - Alienation of Affection and Criminal Conversation Not Actionable
Section 48 - Solemnization of Marriage Without Authority; Penalty
Section 49 - Joining Persons in Marriage Without Certificate; Penalty
Section 51 - Violation of Certain Provisions of This Chapter; Penalty
Section 52 - Violation of Law Concerning Making Notice of Intention; False Statements; Penalty
Section 53 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Issuance to Nonage Persons; Penalty
Section 54 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Illegal Alteration; Penalty
Section 56 - Records and Returns of Marriages; Failure to Make; Penalty
Section 57 - Certificate of Intention of Marriage; Failure to Return; Penalty