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Marriage laws in Anniston, situated in Alabama United States, follow the general regulations of Alabama state law. As such, parties wishing to marry must meet certain age and consent requirements, must not be closely related, and must obtain a marriage certificate. Since August 29, 2019, Alabama enacted a new process where couples file an affidavit and a marriage certificate with the probate court, instead of performing a ceremonial marriage. This shift was part of statewide efforts to ensure this process carries out uniformly across different counties.
Even though getting married seems straightforward, there may be situations where legal counsel is important. These scenarios include prenuptial and postnuptial agreement preparation, where a lawyer would ensure assets are protected, and the contract avoids any possible legal pitfalls. In other circumstances, such as immigration-related marriage matters, annulments, or legal separations, the counsel of a lawyer can be valuable to make sure all legal proceedings are fairly conducted.
The State of Alabama recognizes legal marriages, whether they take place in the state or elsewhere, provided they meet the minimum requirements. The couple must be at least 16 years old with parental consent, or 18 without it. Marriages between parents or grandparents and children or grandchildren or between brothers and sisters are considered unlawful. Common-law marriages are not recognized by the state of Alabama since 2017. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, Alabama no longer requires a marriage ceremony. Instead, the couple submits an affidavit acknowledging they voluntarily entered into the marriage.
Yes, there is no waiting period in Alabama. You can get married immediately after obtaining your marriage certificate.
No, blood tests are no longer required for marriage in Alabama.
Since Alabama law no longer requires a marriage ceremony, there is no need for an officiant. However, if the couple chooses to have a ceremony, anyone can officiate.
In Anniston, you'll need to fill out a marriage certificate form and bring it to the Calhoun County probate court for recording. After the court records the marriage certificate, you're legally married in the state of Alabama.
Both parties must be present at the time of filing the affidavit with the probate court.
The State of Alabama provides online resources for those seeking more information about marriage laws in the state. These resources include the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Calhoun County probate court. Local legal aid organizations may also be able to provide free or low-cost advice on matters of marriage law.
If you need legal assistance related to marriage law in Anniston, it can be beneficial to seek the guidance of a local lawyer experienced in family or marriage laws. Most firms will offer at least an initial consultation, allowing you to understand your rights and options better. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and any specific details concerning your situation readily available for your appointment. This information will allow your lawyer to provide the most accurate advice possible.
