Do I need both parents' permission to marry under 18?

Full question:

Do I have to have both of my parents permission to marry before the age of 18?

  • Category: Marriage
  • Date:
  • State: Georgia

Answer:

In Georgia, if you are 16 or 17 years old, you need parental consent to marry. Both parents or guardians must appear in person before the probate court judge to give their consent. If one parent cannot be present due to illness, an affidavit from that parent, along with a statement from a licensed physician confirming their inability to attend, is acceptable.

If your parents live in a different county within Georgia, they can give consent in their own county instead of traveling to the county where the marriage license is issued. If they live out of state, they can provide consent before a judicial authority in their location.

In all cases, parents or guardians must obtain a certificate from the judge or official confirming their consent, which includes the official's seal and title.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Georgia, if you are under 18, you cannot marry without parental consent. Both parents or guardians must give their permission in person at the probate court. If one parent is unavailable, an affidavit and a doctor's statement may suffice.