on other interesting point of law (one that used to exist in England, i don't know if it still does)
but a man could have child with a woman (one he wasn't married to) and then marry her years later, and "legitimize" the children. John of Gaunt did this with his third wife, Katherine. He had a 20 year affair with her, and she bore him 4 children. he eventually married her. The affair started after his first wife died, but continued through most of his second marriage. it was ended, and after his second wife died, he finally married her.
when he finally married her, he had all of his children by her made legitimate. (even though some were already adults!) one son had entered the clergy, and as a bastard, was prohibbited from holding an office in the church (becoming a bishop or higher) legitimizing him furthered his career.
i don't know if this is still permitted, but it is an interesting case.
