Question: i am only 16 and my boyfriend is 21, can we get married with out having problems with the law?
Answer: According to Arizona Law, A.R.S. § 25-102, titled "Consent required for marriage of minors,” a person under the age of 18 cannot marry without the consent of the parent or guardian having custody of such person. A person under 16 cannot marry without the consent of the parent or guardian having custody of that person and the approval of any superior court judge in the state.
When both parents are living the consent of either parent is sufficient. When the parents are living apart, the consent shall be given by the parent who has the custody of the minor.
Before authorizing the marriage of a person who is under sixteen years of age, the court:
- Shall require both parties to the marriage to complete premarital counseling.The court may waive this requirement if the court determines that premarital counseling is not reasonably available.
- Must find that the minor is entering into the marriage voluntarily.
- Must find that the marriage is in the best interests of the minor under the circumstances.
- May require that the minor continue to attend school.
- May require any other condition that the court determines is reasonable under the circumstances.
A marriage shall not take place under this section if it is prohibited by the law relating to prohibited and void marriages (A.R.S. § 25-101).
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