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 from the county clerk; this is granted in a local court; in most states, you cannot wait over 180 days for the ceremony requirement.
3. a ceremony; most states require 3 days after waiting after the marriage license. A witness is needed.
