Legal Age Of Marriage Rises To 18
Earlier this week, the legal age of marriage in England and Wales increased to 18, Family Law Solicitor Fiona Moffat discusses in her latest blog….
Finally, some legislation that brings a smile to the face.
On the 27th February 2023, the Legal age of marriage or entering into a civil partnership increased from 16 years old with parental consent to 18 years old. The legislation is relevant in England and Wales but in Scotland and Northern Ireland the legislation change has not been mirrored as this is a devolved matter.
Change In Legislation
This change in legislation is long awaited and aims to protect children from forced marriage. It means that it is now a crime to exploit vulnerable children by arranging for them to marry under any circumstances, whether or not force was used. Before this change in legislation, forced marriage was only an offence if there was evidence of threats having been made to force the marriage.
It is of interest too that the legislation also covers non-legally binding ceremonies. The offence for forcing children under the age of 18 into marriage carries up to a 7 year prison sentence, so the legislation certainly has teeth.
Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab MP said
‘Those who act to manipulate children into marrying under-age will now rightly face the full force of the law.’
The change was introduced through a private member’s bill brought to Parliament by Pauline Latham OBE MP for Mid Derbyshire and was supported by a campaign which works to end child marriage.
This is a landmark day for the campaigners who have worked relentlessly for over 5 years to ban child marriage in this country. Child marriage has far reaching implications for society and affects educational achievement and job prospects.
Fiona Moffat
February 2023