While polygamous unions are unlawful under the Liberian civil code, such marriages are perfectly permissible under the Liberia's customary law.
[1][verification needed] One third of married women in the age group 15-49, are in polygamous marriages.
[2] Customary law allows men to have up to 4 wives.
[3] Customary law restricts a married woman's rights to inherit property from her spouse.
When widowed, women are at the mercy of the customary laws that are not subject to the civil courts.