How to Consent to an Underage Marriage

Video Transcript

"One of your children is under age and wants to get married. Hi, I'm Robert Todd, and I'm here to answer your question, How do I consent to an underage marriage?. Well, first of all, this is going to vary from state to state, but generally speaking, across the fifty states the age for marring is eighteen years of age. Now, if the child that wants to become married is already emancipated, even though their under age eighteen, most states allow that emancipated child to get married. But, if a child is not emancipated and they are under the legal age of marriage, it's going to require one of the parents or the legal guardian to sign off on this marriage. And generally, it's going to require some type of court action. It's not just a form to be filled out, so you may want to check your specific states statues to see what your specific state requires in this regard. Again, if that child is emancipated it will not require your signature. I'm Robert Todd and thank you for watching."