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My 17-year-old daughter is going to marry without my consent. Can I annul the marriage?

My 17-year-old daughter is going to marry without my consent. Can I annul the marriage?

Q: Can I marry my boyfriend at 17?

In New Hampshire, individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. However, if you are 17, you may marry with parental consent and approval from the court. It's important to check local regulations and seek guidance to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Q: Can you get married without parents' approval?

In New Hampshire, individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are under 18, you will need both parental consent and court approval to proceed with the marriage. It's crucial to follow these legal requirements to ensure the marriage is valid.

Full question:

My 17-year-old daughter and her boyfriend are planning to get married. If they get married without my consent, can I file a petition in the court for annulling the marriage? I am a resident of New Hampshire.

Category: Marriage
Subcategory: Minor
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New Hampshire

Answer:

In New Hampshire, the age of consent for marriage is 18 years. If a person below 18 years of age enters into marriage, the superior court may annul such marriage at the petition of either the person who at the time of contracting such marriage was below the age of consent, or at the petition of parent or guardian, unless such person confirms the marriage after reaching the age of consent. The relevant statutory provision in this regard is:

RSA 457:5 reads:

“The age of consent shall be in the male and in the female, 18 years. Any marriage contracted by a person below the age of consent, except as hereinafter provided, may in the discretion of the superior court be annulled at the suit of the party who at the time of contracting such marriage was below the age of consent, or at the suit of his or her parent or guardian, unless such party after arriving at such age shall have confirmed the marriage.”

You may file a petition in the superior court to annul the marriage before your daughter turns 18 years.

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

What are the two most common grounds for annulment?

The two most common grounds for annulment are lack of capacity to marry and fraud. Lack of capacity can include situations where one party is underage, mentally incapacitated, or already married. Fraud involves one party deceiving the other about significant aspects of the marriage, such as identity or willingness to have children. In New Hampshire, these grounds can lead to an annulment if proven in court.

Can I marry my boyfriend at 17?

What percentage of annulments are denied?

The percentage of annulments that are denied can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of each case. Generally, annulments are granted if valid grounds are presented. However, it's essential to consult a legal professional for specific statistics in New Hampshire or to understand the likelihood of success in your situation.

Can you get married without parents' approval?

What are eight reasons you might get an annulment instead of a divorce?

Eight common reasons for seeking an annulment instead of a divorce include: 1) underage marriage, 2) mental incapacity, 3) fraud, 4) coercion, 5) bigamy, 6) lack of consummation, 7) misrepresentation of essential facts, and 8) a marriage that violates public policy. Annulments declare the marriage void, while divorces end a valid marriage.