Full question:
My girlfriend and I are 17 and live in California. We are getting married next month and have applied to the court for consent. Will there be premarital counselling?
- Category: Marriage
- Subcategory: Minor
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
Once the court grants permission for minors to marry, it may require premarital counseling if deemed necessary. This counseling will cover social, economic, and personal responsibilities related to marriage. Before mandating counseling, the court will consider factors like the parties' ability to pay. A reasonable fee for counseling may be imposed by the court to cover costs.
According to California Family Code § 304, the court can require premarital counseling as part of the order granting permission to marry. However, parties cannot be forced to meet with counselors from religious organizations without their consent.
California Family Code § 302 states that individuals under eighteen can marry if they obtain a court order and parental consent. If a minor lacks parental consent, the court may grant permission to marry under § 303.
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.