Marriage Of A Minor Based On Consent Of A Parent In Prison

[amanda_mcclure14]

Can you get married under the age of 18 if you have permission from a parent that is in prison?

[aaron]

This is in Virginia? How old are you? Where's your other parent?

[amanda_mcclure14]

I live in Virginia im turning 16 and my father is in the prison in Wrightsville Arkansas

[amanda_mcclure14]

And must i have consent from both of my parents

[aaron]

The statute says "father or mother", suggesting that one will suffice.

If any person intending to marry is under eighteen years of age and has not been previously married, the consent of the father or mother or guardian of such person or persons shall be given either personally to the clerk or judge or in writing subscribed by a witness, who shall make oath before the clerk or judge that the writing was signed or sworn to in his presence by such father, guardian, or mother, as the case may be, or the writing shall be sworn to before a notary public or some person authorized to take acknowledgments to deeds under the laws of this Commonwealth, which oath shall be properly certified by such officer. If there is no father, guardian, or mother, or if such person or persons are abandoned by his or their parents, the judge of the circuit court of the county or city wherein such person or either of them resides, either in term or vacation, may on verified petition of such person or persons intending to marry, authorize a marriage license to be issued, or issue the same, as the case may be. However, no consent shall be required where the minor has been emancipated.

If any such person under eighteen years of age is a ward of the Commonwealth by virtue of having been adjudicated a delinquent, in need of supervision, in need of services, or an abused or neglected child pursuant to §§ 16.1-278.2, 16.1-278.4, 16.1-278.5, or § 16.1-278.8, the consent required by this section shall be given by the judge having jurisdiction to control the custody of such person; or, if such person so adjudicated has been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, such consent shall be given personally by the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice or by some person thereto authorized by him, such authorization to be in writing, attested or sworn to as hereinabove provided. However, no consent shall be required where the minor has been emancipated.

[amanda_mcclure14]

so it doesnt matter if my fathers in prison

[aaron]

The statutory language indicates that one parent can consent. You can confirm that with your county clerk.

[amanda_mcclure14]

so your saying that i live with my mother but can get permission from my father thats in prison to get married

[CaliforniaMom]

The fact that you continue to ask the same question over and over when Aaron has answered it AND provided the relevant statute suggests to me that you are ill prepared for marriage. If your father will consent to your marriage, there's no wonder why he's in prison. Where is your MOTHER (I'm guessing..the custodial parent).

[Baystategirl]

Amanda...Are you 14 as your user name suggests? How old is the guy you want to marry?