Marriage in Minnesota
Basis of Marriage in Minnesota
Marriage is a civil contract between a man and a woman governed by Minnesota Statute Section 517.01. The statutory requirements are that the parties must obtain a license, the marriage must be solemnized by an authorized party, and the marriage must be witnessed by two persons.
Age Requirements for Marriage
18 years-of-age is the age deemed sufficient to marry without consent. 16 years-of-age is the age deemed sufficient to marry with consent of the person’s parents, guardian or juvenile court, in Minnesota.
Void Marriages
Some marriages in Minnesota are void, meaning that no marriage exists as a matter of law. Marriages entered into prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage are void. Marriages between whole-blood, half-blood or adoption are void. Marriages in Minnesota between uncle and niece, aunt and nephew or first cousins are void.
Voidable Marriages
Marriages may be annulled based on several facts: one of the parties was not mentally capable to offer consent; one of the parties was under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substance; the marriage was a result of force or fraud; and the parties did not live together. Marriages where one of the parties lacked the ability to have sexual intercourse and the other party did not know of the condition are voidable and can be annulled. Marriages where one of the parties was not of legal age to marry are voidable and can be annulled.
For all issues pertaining to marriage, it is wise to work with a Minnesota family law lawyer.