Most people look at marriage as an adult activity. However, up until recently in Kentucky, marriages were not limited to just adults. In fact, according to WAV3 News, the state had the highest number of child marriages in the country. In 2018, though, the governor signed a new law banning marriage for those under the age of 18.
Previously, all it took for anyone under the age of 18 to get married was parental approval. A parent could sign a form allowing the marriage. The problem with that was many times the child had no option to give consent. If the parent signed the form, the child got married. This led to many issues with abuse situations where children were marrying much older individuals.
With the passing of the new law, parents no longer have the option of giving consent for an underage marriage. If you want to get married and are under the age of 18, you will have no choice but to wait. There is an exception if you are 17 years old. The law does allow you to marry, but you have to go through a court hearing first to gain judicial consent.
The law also mandates serious requirements that you must provide proof of your age. This means you have to show an official document, such as a birth certificate, to get a marriage license.
There is a lot of hope for those who have suffered from child marriages. They believe the new law will help to prevent others from having to go through the abusive situations they did. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
No Comments
Leave a comment