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Can her father legally stop our wedding at 17 years old?

Can her father legally stop our wedding at 17 years old?

Q: What is it called when a parent has full custody?

When a parent has full custody, it is commonly referred to as sole custody. This means that one parent has the legal right to make decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and general welfare, without needing the other parent's consent.

Q: What is it called when one parent has full custody?

This situation is called sole custody. Sole custody grants one parent exclusive rights and responsibilities for the child's care and decision-making, while the other parent may have limited or no involvement in those decisions.

Q: What looks bad in a custody case?

Factors that can negatively impact a custody case include evidence of neglect or abuse, substance abuse issues, unstable living conditions, or failure to comply with court orders. Poor communication with the other parent and a lack of involvement in the child's life can also reflect poorly on a parent's custody claim.

Q: What is full sole custody?

Full sole custody, often simply referred to as sole custody, means that one parent has complete legal and physical custody of the child. This parent is responsible for making all major decisions regarding the child's welfare, education, and healthcare, without needing consent from the other parent.

Full question:

My fiance is 17 years old. Her parents are divorced and her mother has full custody. We've already been to probate court and gotten through our application and have the license waiting to be signed by the pastor when we are married on May 18th. We are afraid to tell her father because we aren't sure if there's anything he can do legally to stop the wedding. My question is, is there anything he can do to postpone or stop the wedding? We have everything ready to go and signed, just have to have the ceremony. Are we in danger of him screwing it up?

Category: Marriage
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

In Ohio, a minor (under eighteen) must obtain consent from their parents to marry. Since your fiancée is seventeen and her mother has full custody, her mother's consent is sufficient. Her father, if he has no legal custody rights, cannot stop the marriage.

According to Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code § 3101.01), a minor does not need consent from a parent who has been absent, neglected, or has lost parental rights. If her father has not been involved in her life or has lost custody rights, he cannot legally intervene.

However, if her father still has parental rights, it’s advisable to inform him about the marriage plans. While he may not have the legal power to stop the wedding if her mother has given consent, open communication could help avoid potential conflicts.

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 problems with joint custody?

Joint custody can lead to conflicts between parents, especially regarding decision-making and parenting styles. It may also create logistical issues, such as scheduling conflicts for visitation and shared responsibilities. Communication is crucial, and disagreements can impact the child's well-being. If parents cannot cooperate, it may result in legal disputes or modifications to custody arrangements.

What is it called when a parent has full custody?

What is it called when one parent has full custody?

What not to say in child support court?

In child support court, avoid making negative comments about the other parent, as this can reflect poorly on you. Don't disclose personal financial issues unrelated to child support, and refrain from making threats or emotional statements. Focus on presenting factual information regarding your financial situation and the needs of the child.