Family Law Act, 1995
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PART V Marriage | ||
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Age of marriage. |
31.—(1) (a) (i) A marriage solemnised, after the commencement of this section, between persons either of whom is under the age of 18 years shall not be valid in law. | |
(ii) Subparagraph (i) applies to any marriage solemnised— | ||
(I) in the State, irrespective of where the spouses or either of them are or is ordinarily resident, or | ||
(II) outside the State, if at the time of the solemnisation of the marriage, the spouses or either of them are or is ordinarily resident in the State. | ||
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if exemption from it was granted under section 33 before the marriage concerned. | ||
(c) The requirement in relation to marriage arising by virtue of paragraph (a) is hereby declared to be a substantive requirement for marriage. | ||
(2) Any person to whom application is made in relation to the solemnisation of an intended marriage may, if he or she so thinks fit, request the production of evidence of age with respect to either or both of the parties concerned. | ||
(3) Where a request is made under subsection (2)— | ||
(a) refusal or failure to comply with the request shall be a proper reason for refusal of the application concerned, and | ||
(b) if the request is complied with and the evidence shows that either or both of the parties is or are under the age of 18 years, the application shall be refused. | ||
(4) Where a person knowingly— | ||
(a) solemnises or permits the solemnisation of a marriage which, consequent on the provisions of this section, is not valid in law, or | ||
(b) is a party to such a marriage, | ||
the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500. |