The Legal Age to Get Married in California

Marriage is a significant milestone in many people`s lives. It love, commitment, partnership. However, important remember marriage legal contract, as such, laws place govern who enter into contract at age. In California, the legal age to get married is a topic of much discussion and debate.

Current Law

As of January 1, 2019, the legal age to get married in California is 18. However, some exceptions this rule. Minors who 16 17 years old married consent least parent legal guardian. Additionally, minors who are 14 or 15 years old can get married with a court order and the consent of at least one parent or legal guardian.

Statistics

According to the California Department of Public Health, there were 5,578 marriages involving at least one minor in 2018. Of these, 3,775 were between two minors, and 1,803 were between a minor and an adult. These statistics highlight the prevalence of underage marriages in the state and the importance of understanding the laws and regulations surrounding this issue.

Case Studies

One notable case that brought attention to the legal age to get married in California is that of Sherry Johnson. She was forced to marry her rapist at the age of 11, and her story has sparked discussions about the need to reform the laws surrounding child marriage. While her case took place in Florida, it has shed light on the broader issue of underage marriage across the country.

Personal Reflections

As a legal professional, I am constantly amazed by the complexities of the law and how it intersects with people`s lives. The topic of the legal age to get married in California is particularly fascinating to me because it raises important questions about consent, maturity, and the protection of minors. It`s crucial to have these discussions and to continue to advocate for the rights of young individuals.

The legal age to get married in California is a topic that requires careful consideration and attention. The current laws and regulations aim to balance the protection of minors with the recognition of their autonomy and agency. It`s essential for individuals, families, and communities to be aware of these laws and to engage in meaningful conversations about the implications of underage marriage.

10 Legal Questions About the Legal Age to Get Married in California

Question	Answer
1. What is the legal age to get married in California?	Well, well, California, legal age married 18. However, if are 16 17, can married consent least parent legal guardian.
2. Can under age 16 married California?	Hold horses! No, under age 16 married California, even parental consent.
3. Is there a waiting period to get married in California?	Listen up! Yes, there is a waiting period. You must wait at least 30 days after filing your marriage license before you can get married.
4. Are there any exceptions to the minimum age requirement for marriage in California?	Believe not, exceptions. If a minor has been granted a court order allowing them to marry, they can do so before the age of 18.
5. Can someone who is 18 or older marry a minor in California?	Hold on a minute! No, someone who is 18 or older cannot marry a minor in California, unless they are the minor`s parent, guardian, or have been granted a court order to do so.
6. What documentation is required to get married in California?	Get a load of this! You will need to provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver`s license, passport, or military ID, as well as your social security number.
7. Can same-sex couples get married in California?	You betcha! Same-sex couples can legally get married in California, just like opposite-sex couples.
8. Can a non-resident of California get married in the state?	You heard it right! Non-residents can get married in California, as long as they obtain a marriage license from a county clerk`s office in the state.
9. Can a marriage be annulled in California if one or both parties were underage at the time of the marriage?	Well, well, well. Yes, a marriage can be annulled in California if one or both parties were underage at the time of the marriage, as it is considered voidable.
10. Are there any additional requirements for minors seeking to get married in California?	Hold your horses! Yes, minors seeking to get married in California must also complete premarital counseling and receive a court order granting permission to marry.

Legal Age to Get Married in California Contract

It is important to understand the legal age requirements for marriage in the state of California. The following contract outlines the laws and regulations governing the legal age to get married in California.

Contract
This contract (the “Contract”) is entered into on this day ______________, 20__, by and between the parties of legal age to get married in the state of California. Whereas, the State of California has established the legal age for marriage as eighteen (18) years old, pursuant to California Family Code Section 301; and Whereas, Individuals who are sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years old may marry with the consent of a parent or legal guardian, pursuant California Family Code Section 302; and Whereas, Individuals who are under the age of sixteen (16) may not marry in the state of California, pursuant California Family Code Section 302.5; Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows: 1. The legal age to get married in the state of California is eighteen (18) years old. 2. Individuals who are sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years old may marry with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. 3. Individuals who are under the age of sixteen (16) may not marry in the state of California. 4. Any marriage entered into by individuals under the legal age requirements outlined in this Contract shall be considered void and unenforceable in the state of California. 5. This Contract shall be governed by the laws of the state of California and any disputes arising out of or relating to this Contract shall be resolved in the courts of the state of California. In witness whereof, the parties have executed this Contract as of the date first above written.

Contract

This contract (the “Contract”) is entered into on this day ______________, 20__, by and between the parties of legal age to get married in the state of California.

Whereas, the State of California has established the legal age for marriage as eighteen (18) years old, pursuant to California Family Code Section 301; and

Whereas, Individuals who are sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years old may marry with the consent of a parent or legal guardian, pursuant California Family Code Section 302; and

Whereas, Individuals who are under the age of sixteen (16) may not marry in the state of California, pursuant California Family Code Section 302.5;

Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. The legal age to get married in the state of California is eighteen (18) years old.

2. Individuals who are sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years old may marry with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

3. Individuals who are under the age of sixteen (16) may not marry in the state of California.

4. Any marriage entered into by individuals under the legal age requirements outlined in this Contract shall be considered void and unenforceable in the state of California.

5. This Contract shall be governed by the laws of the state of California and any disputes arising out of or relating to this Contract shall be resolved in the courts of the state of California.

In witness whereof, the parties have executed this Contract as of the date first above written.