When is parental consent required in a marriage in Georgia?

Full question:

My parents died when I was young. Now that I’m 17 year old and wanting to get married, will I be asked for parental consent? I live in Georgia with my aunt.

• Category: Marriage
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Georgia

Answer:

If your parents are no more, then you can get your guardian’s (Aunt) consent. Your guardian can appear in the court and record their consent to your marriage.

O.C.G.A. § 19-3-37 states:
 

“(b)  When parental consent required; how obtained. In cases where the parties applying for a license are 16 or 17 years of age, their ages to be proved to the judge of the probate court as provided in Code Section 19-3-36, the parents or guardians of each underage applicant shall appear in person before the judge and consent to the proposed marriage, provided that if physical presence because of illness or infirmity is impossible, an affidavit by the incapacitated parent or guardian along with an affidavit signed by a licensed attending physician stating that the parent or guardian is physically incapable of being present shall suffice. The licensed attending physician shall include only those physicians licensed under Chapter 34 of Title 43 or under corresponding requirements pertaining to licensed attending physicians in sister states.”