Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Browse our 2 legal questions about Marriage in Australia and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Being a cosmopolitan city in Australia, Perth adheres to Australia's federal Marriage Act 1961. This Act places provision for both civil and religious marriages. In order to marry in Perth, or anywhere in Australia, the couple must be 18 years or older. Non-resident individuals are also allowed to marry in Australia provided they meet a set of legal prerequisites.
There are several circumstances in which you might need legal help with marriage-related concerns. For instance, prenuptial agreements often require legal representation to ensure all assets are protected. Legal assistance might be needed if there are immigration or visa-related issues connected to the marriage. Lawyers also get involved in cases of marital separation or divorce, and ensuing matters such as settlement of property and child custody.
There are key aspects of local laws in Perth that are relevant to marriage. First, a Notice of Intended Marriage must be submitted at least a month before the planned wedding date. Second, divorces are granted based on the ground of the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. In the case of disputes following a separation including matters of division of property and parenting, the Family Law Act 1975 applies.
The legal age for marriage in Perth, and in Australia as a whole, is 18 years.
Once you have decided to marry, you need to provide a completed Notice of Intended Marriage form to an authorised marriage celebrant (minister of religion, a state or territory officer, or a registered marriage celebrant) at least one month prior.
Yes, non-residents can marry in Perth and elsewhere in Australia, as long as they meet all the required legal criteria.
The sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship, proved by the couple living separately for at least 12 months.
The Family Law Act 1975 handles matters pertaining to child custody and property disputes in the event of a divorce. It promotes the best interest of the child and the fair distribution of property.
The Family Court of Western Australia offers many resources related to marriage and divorce, including guidelines on how to resolve disputes outside the court. The Attorney-General's Department of Australia provides specifics about the legalities of marriage according to the Marriage Act 1961. Services Australia provides information about counselling and dispute resolution services.
If you need legal assistance in marriage-related issues, the best next step is to consult with a family lawyer who specializes in Australian marriage laws. They can guide you through the process and offer advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
