Kentucky text bars under-18 marriages and requires age records

A person under 18 could not marry in Kentucky. This applies to people marrying in Kentucky who are under 18 at the time of marriage. The rule would not apply to a lawful Kentucky marriage entered before the act takes effect, or to a lawful marriage elsewhere entered before the couple lived in Kentucky. The exception for earlier marriages is tied to the act’s effective date, which the text does not state.

Both people seeking a marriage license would have to appear and show proof of age. This applies to both people applying for a marriage license and to the county clerk issuing it. Acceptable proof includes birth, school, government, immigration, naturalization, or court records, as well as a passport or driver’s license. A clerk could not issue a license if either person is under 18.

A court could void a marriage involving someone who was under 18 when married, if a next friend petitions. This applies to a marriage involving someone who was under 18 at the time of marriage. A court may also void a marriage obtained by force or fraud. It may void a marriage obtained by duress if the petition comes from a party who was under the age of majority when married. A next friend is someone who petitions on another person’s behalf.