As the law currently stood, it was possible for 16- and 17-year-olds to enter into marriage and civil partnerships in England and Wales with parental or judicial consent. However, this will no longer be the case with the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act coming into effect today. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act was given Royal Assent on 28 April 2022 and will reform both the Marriage Act 1949 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to make it a criminal offence … [Read more...]