Is it incest?

[KatJasmine]

Ok, here is the situation: I live in Missouri, and have been secretly dating my adopted cousin for about seven months. Before moving further in our relationship, we would like to know if we can legally see eachother. Also, we would like to tell our families, but first want to be informed. Thank you.

 

[Doomflame]

Yes, it is incest and I advise that it stops before any authorities finds out. It is a felony charge as far as I know.

 

[sethfive]

I'm not a lawer, but seems to me only common sense that if your cousin is not a blood relative that this would not be incest under the law. If the law in Missouri considers this incest, then the law should be changed.

I was under the impression that incest laws in their very design were passed on the grounds that children born from an incestuous relationship might exhibit genetic defects.

You might consult a lawer, or research Missouri incest laws either on the web, or at your local library, but I feel pretty confident that your relationship is not illegal.---Seth

 

[Doomflame]

Just being a cousin (which is a relative) or a cousin-in-law (which is still a relative under law) is considered incest. I am sorry to say that I strongly believe that it is illegal, even though I may not agree with it.
The best advice is to simply ask a local lawyer for a free consulation and see what he/she says.