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 the county clerk to issue a marriage license to applicants aged 16 or older, provided they obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Notably, the bill introduces a requirement that applicants under 18 must reside in West Virginia to be eligible for a marriage license. Additionally, it mandates that these applicants affirm their voluntary decision to marry and confirm that their choice is free from duress or coercion.

The bill also modifies the consent process, requiring that it be acknowledged before an authorized officer and clarifying the signatures needed based on the living situation of the applicant's parents. It allows individuals married under these provisions to petition for annulment without parental consent until they reach 18. Furthermore, the bill ensures that it does not affect marriages that were legally entered into prior to the re-enactment of this statute or those conducted outside West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-2-301