Leeds Morelli & Brown, Legal Blog 

CNN has reported that a Saudi judge has upheld a marriage between an 8-year-old girl and a 47-year-old man.  The marriage was arranged by the girl’s father to settle a debt.  In dismissing the petition that was brought by the girl’s mother, the judge ruled that once the girl reaches 18 years of age she may petition the court for a divorce.  Until such time, she is lawfully married to the 47-year-old man.  International rights activists are speaking out against the ruling, pointing out that Saudi Arabia is a party to international agreements that oppose child marriages.  To view the full article:  http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/23/saudi.arabia.child.marriage/index.html

Marriage laws in the United States vary from state to state.  In New York, a marriage license cannot be issued if either applicant is under 14 years of age.  If either applicant is 14 or 15 years of age, written consent of both parents as well as a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court in the applicant’s jurisdiction.  If either applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, written consent of both parents must be presented.  If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.

The attorneys at Leeds, Morelli & Brown, P.C., are experienced in all domestic relations matters.  For any questions concerning domestic relations matters, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. law firm for a free consultation at 1-800-545-4658. Leeds Morelli & Brown, P.C.’s divorce website is located at www.lbdivorcelaw.com