This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding the age of consent for marriage, establishing that the age of consent for marriage is 18 years, with specific provisions for individuals aged 16 and 17. It allows county clerks to issue marriage licenses to applicants aged 16 or older, provided they obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian. However, a marriage license cannot be issued if the applicant is under 18 and seeks to marry someone more than four years older.

New provisions require that applicants under 18 must reside in West Virginia to obtain a marriage license. Additionally, those aged 16 or 17 must affirm that their decision to marry is voluntary and not coerced. The bill also clarifies the requirements for parental consent and allows individuals married under these provisions to petition for annulment without parental consent until they reach 18. The bill ensures that it does not affect marriages entered into before the re-enactment of this statute or those legally performed outside West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-2-301