Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Minor Marriage

A friends mother wants to take her to mexico and force her to get married because she is a minor. The girl is only 15. Is this legal? Also, will it be honored in the US if she only takes her there to get married?


Asked on 7/20/04, 5:11 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Minor Marriage

Tell the girl to call the local police where the mother cannot hear. Social Services will come over and probably take steps to remove the girl from the custody of the mother. Bill Stern 248-353-9400

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Answered on 7/21/04, 7:37 am
Blake Lipman Law Office of Blake P. Lipman

Re: Minor Marriage

This could be considered a form or child abuse or neglect. You should contact the county Family Independence Agency and report this mother. The state of Michigan generally will recognize a foreign marriage. For more info., please contact my ofiice at (248)851-3171.

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Answered on 7/21/04, 9:50 am
Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Minor Marriage

Your friend's marriage would be void as a matter of law in Washington because she did not consent. She would have to file with a Court here in Washington. Your friend may also wish to hire an attorney to go to Court and try to have her mother stopped from taking her to Mexico to get married against her will. If she wants to do this, she should act soon to allow an attorney to prepare a case to file against the mother and to make sure the attorney can get a court order preventing the mother from removing your friend.

One question is, where is your friend's father on this issue? If he is around, does he support the mother's actions? If he supports his daughter, he would be a good person to get involved to help prevent the mother from forcing your friend to go to Mexico.

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Answered on 7/20/04, 6:22 pm


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