If I’m 18 and my girlfriend is 16, can we get married?
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If I’m 18 and my girlfriend is 16, can we get married?
We live in MA and are looking to get married. Would we need to go through a court process or just have parental permission from one of her parents? If we were to need to go through a court process, what would they require or look at?
Asked on August 23, 2011 Massachusetts
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Most states have a provision in their law that allows a minor (a person under the age of 18 in most states, 19 in Nebraska) to marry with parental consent. But it appears that in Massachusetts the law is different. Here is the law in Massacheusetts:
A Massachusetts resident may marry if he or she is 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate may be required to show proof of age. If either party is under 18, a court order from a probate or district court where the minor resides must be obtained before the marriage intentions can be filed.
So I would speak with someone on your behalf. Good luck.
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