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Marriage law in London is governed by the law of the United Kingdom as a whole, primarily enacted under the Marriage Act of 1949. It regulates the formalities, procedures and venues to legally marry. It recognizes both civil and religious marriages, including Christian, Jewish, and Quaker marriages. Same-sex marriage was legalized in England and Wales, including London, in 2014.
You might need a lawyer for marriage-related issues such as pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements, which can determine the allocation of assets in the event of a divorce or death. Lawyers also help in cases of separation, divorce, and related matters like child custody, alimony, and division of marital property. If you're involved in an international marriage, a lawyer can guide you through immigration processes or international custody disputes.
In London, both partners must be at least 16 years old to get married, but if you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent. You must give notice at your local Register Office at least 29 days before the wedding. As per the Marriage Act of 1949, marriages can take place in registered religious buildings, licensed venues, or a register office. If you wish to change your name after marriage, your marriage certificate would suffice as legal proof.
You can get married in any registered or licensed venue in London. This includes religious buildings registered for marriage and dedicated civil ceremony venues.
You can apply to the local Register Office in the area where the wedding took place. You'll need some proof of identity and the date and place of the wedding.
There are no residency requirements to marry in London. However, you must give notice of your marriage in the borough where you and your partner have lived for at least seven days.
The consequences of divorce can include division of property, maintenance payments (spousal support), child custody and visiting rights, and financial arrangements for children.
If you wish to change your name upon marriage, you generally don't need to do anything other than showing your marriage certificate whenever you need to provide proof of identity, such as for changing your name on your passport or driving licence.
For additional information or help, consider reaching out to the Citizens Advice Bureau, which provide free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice on a wide array of issues including legal matters. If you need further clarity about marriage laws, the UK Government’s official website provide a wealth of information.
If you need legal advice on marriage in London, start by reaching out to legal firms or advisors that specialize in family law. Most legal firms offer a free initial consultation where they can provide some basic advice and help you understand your options moving forward. Additionally, try reaching out to local non-profit organizations that offer legal advice, particularly those that specialize in family law.
