American marriage law

From wikilawschool.net. Wiki Law School does not provide legal advice. For educational purposes only.

In the United States, a marriage is a contract. However, unlike an ordinary contract, consent of the state is required to dissolve or modify a marriage contract.


Jurisdiction

The terms and obligations of a marriage contract are governed by state laws.

Marriage requirements

3 are the requirements for marriage:

1. Capacity

    • state of mind
    • age (in most jurisdictions, parental consent is needed if a party is under 18)
    • no bigamy (only 2 parties allowed)
    • no incest


2. a marriage license; this is granted in a local court

3. a ceremony; most states require 3 days after waiting after the marriage license.