How to Consent to an Underage Marriage

Underage marriages require the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Procedures vary among the states.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Couples Counseling
• Marriage Counseling
• Lawyers
• Wedding Consultants

1. Know that in most states, a person must be age 18 to marry.

2. Understand that in order for a person under the age limit to marry there must be parental consent. Parental consent is obtained when at least one parent or legal guardian of the underage person legally consents to the marriage. The way this is accomplished differs among the states. Some states require a court to issue permission based upon the parental consent. Others allow the parents to consent on paper.

3. Find out what the requirements are in your state by contacting a lawyer, your town hall or an online law source.

4. Realize that in some states the permission of a judge may be necessary for the underage marriage to take place.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure of your decision before granting your approval for the marriage - once those vows are made, there's no going back.
• You may wish to discuss some other options with the couple before consenting to the marriage. Marriage may not necessarily be the best solution.

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