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What is the minimum age for a minor to marry in Indiana?

What is the minimum age for a minor to marry in Indiana?

Full question:

At what age can a minor get married in the state of Indiana; the mom said she could?

Category: Marriage
Subcategory: Minor
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, the minimum age for marriage is eighteen (18) years. However, individuals who are at least seventeen (17) years old can marry with parental consent (IC 31-11-1-5). Additionally, minors may marry if they are at least fifteen (15) years old and meet certain conditions.

Specifically, if a female is at least fifteen (15) years old and either pregnant or a mother, a court may authorize her to marry a male who is at least fifteen (15) years old and is either the putative father of her expected child or the father of her child. This requires a court petition, consent from parents or guardians, and a hearing to prove the necessary allegations (IC 31-11-1-6).

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

How early can you get married in Indiana?

In Indiana, the earliest a minor can marry is at age fifteen (15) under specific conditions. A female who is at least fifteen and either pregnant or a mother may marry with court approval. If a minor is at least seventeen (17), they can marry with parental consent. However, the general minimum age for marriage without any conditions is eighteen (18). (IC 31-11-1-5, IC 31-11-1-6). *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.*

Can you get married at 16 in Indiana with parental consent?

Yes, a sixteen-year-old can get married in Indiana with parental consent, but they must also meet specific legal requirements. Typically, individuals must be at least seventeen (17) to marry with parental consent. However, if a sixteen-year-old is pregnant or a parent, they may seek court approval to marry. This process involves a petition and a hearing. (IC 31-11-1-5, IC 31-11-1-6). *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.*

Can you get married without your parents' approval?

In Indiana, individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years old to marry without parental consent. Those who are seventeen (17) can marry with parental approval. Minors younger than seventeen generally need parental consent or a court's authorization to marry, especially if they are under fifteen (15). (IC 31-11-1-5). *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.*

What age can you first get married?

The minimum age to marry in Indiana is eighteen (18) years. However, individuals who are at least seventeen (17) can marry with parental consent. Minors aged fifteen (15) may marry under specific circumstances, such as being pregnant or a parent, with court approval. (IC 31-11-1-5, IC 31-11-1-6). *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.*

Is 16 too early to get married?

Whether sixteen (16) is too early to marry is subjective and depends on individual circumstances. Legally in Indiana, a sixteen-year-old can marry with parental consent and under specific conditions, such as being pregnant or a parent. However, many consider it a significant life decision that requires careful consideration. (IC 31-11-1-5, IC 31-11-1-6). *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.*

Can you get married at 16 in Indiana?

Yes, a sixteen-year-old can marry in Indiana, but they need parental consent and may need to meet specific conditions. If the minor is pregnant or has a child, they can petition the court for permission to marry. Generally, the minimum age for marriage without conditions is eighteen (18). (IC 31-11-1-5, IC 31-11-1-6). *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.*