Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer Blog
In the wake of New York’s passage of a no-fault divorce law, Woman’s Day Magazine has made a list of 10 of the more obscure marriage laws that in some cases still remain on the books in some states:
Military Marriage by Proxy. Four states – California, Colorado, Montana and Texas – allow someone to stand in for a bride or groom if they are serving in the military and cannot be present. Montana allows stand-ins for both parties.
Baby Marriage. A few years ago, it was legal for anyone under the age of 18 to be married in Arkansas with parental consent – even babies. Lawmakers forgot to add a minimum age to a law that was enacted to allow pregnant teenagers to marry with parental consent. This was fixed in 2008.
So Not Funny. In Delaware, a marriage can be annulled if it was entered into because of a jest or a dare.
4th Time Not the Charm. In Kentucky, it is illegal to marry the same man four times.
Man-Up. A law on the books in Truro, Massachusetts says that a groom must prove himself manly before he marries by killing either six blackbirds or three crows.
No Nude Sleeping in Salem. A married couple may not sleep nude in a rented room in Salem, Massachusetts.
Don’t Ask and Tell in SC: It is illegal for a man over the age of 16 to propose marriage and not mean it in South Carolina.
Mother-in-Law Disparagement OK in KS: In Wichita, Kansas, a man’s mistreatment of his mother-in-law cannot be used as grounds for divorce.
Never on a Sunday. In Hartford, Connecticut, it is illegal for married couples to kiss in public on a Sunday.
Not in the Cards. In New Orleans, it is illegal for fortune tellers or palm readers to officiate at a wedding.