Breaking News: Everything You Need to Know About Tennessee's New Marriage Law

Effective July 1, 2019, Tennessee's new marriage law requires couples to wait 3 days before getting married and undergo counseling. #TNMarriageLaw

The state of Tennessee has recently passed a new marriage law that has caused quite a stir among its citizens. This law has been a topic of discussion and debate for many months now, and its implications are far-reaching. With its implementation, the way people view and approach marriage in Tennessee is expected to change drastically.

Firstly, it is important to note that the new law requires couples to undergo premarital counseling before getting married. This counseling will be provided by licensed professionals who will help couples navigate issues such as communication, conflict resolution, and financial management. The aim of this counseling is to equip couples with the necessary skills to build strong and healthy marriages from the very beginning.

Another significant aspect of the new law is that it sets a minimum age for marriage. Previously, Tennessee did not have a minimum age requirement, which meant that children as young as 14 could get married with parental consent. However, the new law mandates that both parties must be at least 17 years old to get married. This provision is aimed at protecting minors from being forced into marriages against their will.

In addition, the new law also requires that couples wait at least 30 days after receiving their marriage license before they can tie the knot. This waiting period is designed to give couples time to reflect on their decision and ensure that they are getting married for the right reasons. It is hoped that this waiting period will reduce the number of impulsive and ill-considered marriages that end in divorce.

Furthermore, the new law recognizes that some marriages may be at risk of ending in divorce despite the best efforts of the couple. To address this, the law allows couples to enter into covenant marriages, which are legally binding agreements that require couples to undertake premarital counseling and commit to working through any marital problems that arise. Covenant marriages are seen as a way to strengthen marriages and reduce the number of divorces.

However, the new law has not been without its critics. Some have argued that it infringes on individuals' right to make their own decisions about marriage and that it places unnecessary obstacles in the way of couples who want to get married. Others have raised concerns about the effectiveness of premarital counseling and whether it will really make a difference in reducing the divorce rate.

Despite these criticisms, the new Tennessee marriage law is a bold and innovative step towards improving the institution of marriage in the state. By requiring couples to undergo premarital counseling, setting a minimum age for marriage, and introducing covenant marriages, the law aims to promote healthy and lasting marriages that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.

It remains to be seen how effective the new law will be in achieving its goals, but one thing is clear: it has sparked an important conversation about the nature and purpose of marriage in Tennessee and beyond.

Introduction

Marriage is a significant milestone in anyone's life, and it comes with a lot of legal implications. Tennessee lawmakers recently passed a new marriage law that will affect not only the residents of the state but also couples who are thinking about getting married in the future. The law has sparked a lot of debates and discussions on social media and other platforms. In this article, we will delve deep into the details of the new Tennessee Marriage Law.

The New Law

The new Tennessee Marriage Law requires couples to undergo a 3-day waiting period before they can get married. Previously, couples could get married as soon as they obtained their marriage license. The waiting period is meant to give the couples enough time to reflect on their decision and ensure that they are making the right choice. During the waiting period, the couple must attend a premarital counseling session.

Reasoning Behind the Law

The lawmakers behind the new Tennessee Marriage Law argue that the waiting period and premarital counseling will reduce the divorce rate in the state. They believe that many couples rush into marriage without fully understanding what they are getting into, leading to a high number of divorces. By requiring couples to wait and attend counseling, the lawmakers hope to give them a better chance of having a successful marriage.

Opposition to the Law

Not everyone is happy about the new Tennessee Marriage Law. Some critics argue that the law infringes on the couple's freedom to choose when and how they want to get married. They believe that the waiting period and counseling sessions are unnecessary and that the government should not interfere in such personal matters. Others point out that the law could create logistical challenges for couples who need to get married quickly, such as those who are in the military.

How the Law Will Be Implemented

The new Tennessee Marriage Law will come into effect on July 1, 2021. Couples who obtain their marriage license before this date will not be subject to the waiting period or counseling requirement. However, those who apply for a license after July 1 will have to comply with the new law. The premarital counseling can be done in person or online, and the couple must provide proof that they completed the session before they can get married.

Who Will Conduct the Counseling?

The premarital counseling can be conducted by any qualified individual, including religious leaders, therapists, and counselors. The counselor must be licensed in the state of Tennessee and must follow certain guidelines provided by the state. The counseling sessions will cover topics such as communication, conflict resolution, financial management, and parenting.

Exceptions to the Law

There are certain exceptions to the waiting period and counseling requirements. Couples who are getting married for the second time and have completed premarital counseling in the past can be exempted from the waiting period and counseling. Also, couples who can prove that they are facing an emergency or other extraordinary circumstances can apply for a waiver of the waiting period.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Couples who fail to comply with the new Tennessee Marriage Law will not be able to get married until they complete the waiting period and counseling. Additionally, any individual who performs a marriage ceremony without verifying that the couple has complied with the law could face legal penalties.

Conclusion

The new Tennessee Marriage Law has sparked a lot of discussions and debates among residents of the state and beyond. While there are concerns about the law's impact on personal freedom, its supporters believe that it will help reduce the divorce rate in Tennessee. As the law comes into effect, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and whether it will achieve its intended goals.

The Passing of the New Tennessee Marriage Law

On July 1, 2019, the New Tennessee Marriage Law went into effect, bringing significant changes to the state's marriage requirements. The new law replaces the previous statutes that had been in place for over two decades. The law aims to modernize and simplify the process of getting married in Tennessee, while also addressing some of the issues that arose under the previous law.

Changes in Requirements for Getting Married in Tennessee

One of the most notable changes introduced by the new law is the elimination of the blood test requirement. Previously, Tennessee law required couples to obtain a blood test before getting married to check for certain diseases such as syphilis. However, this requirement was deemed unnecessary and outdated, and it was eliminated under the new law.

Age Restrictions and Exceptions

The new law also introduces changes to the age requirements for getting married in Tennessee. Under the previous law, individuals as young as 16 could get married with parental consent. However, the new law raises the minimum age for marriage to 17, even with parental consent. In addition, individuals who are 16 can still get married but only if a court approves the union. The court must find that the marriage is in the best interest of the underage individual and that they have completed high school or a GED program.

Recognition of Common Law Marriages

The new law recognizes common law marriages that were established before January 1, 2017. Common law marriages occur when a couple lives together and presents themselves as married, without obtaining a formal marriage license. Previously, Tennessee did not recognize common law marriages. However, under the new law, couples can now prove their common law marriage through various means, such as presenting joint tax returns, lease agreements, or utility bills.

Elimination of Mandatory Waiting Periods

The new law also eliminates the mandatory waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and getting married. Under the previous law, couples had to wait three days after obtaining a marriage license before getting married. However, the new law removes this waiting period, allowing couples to get married on the same day they obtain their license if they choose to do so.

New Rules for Obtaining a Marriage License

The process of obtaining a marriage license has also changed under the new law. Couples can now apply for a marriage license online, which is a significant improvement over the previous system that required an in-person visit to the county clerk's office. The online application process allows couples to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the fee from the comfort of their own homes.

Out-of-State Marriages and Their Recognition in Tennessee

The new law also clarifies the recognition of out-of-state marriages in Tennessee. Previously, Tennessee recognized all marriages that were valid in the state where they were performed. However, the new law specifies that Tennessee will only recognize out-of-state marriages that are legal under Tennessee law. This means that some marriages that were previously recognized may no longer be valid in Tennessee.

New Process for Name Changes after Marriage

Under the new law, individuals who wish to change their name after getting married must follow a new process. Previously, individuals could simply use their marriage certificate as proof of their new name. However, the new law requires individuals to obtain a court order to change their name. This process can be time-consuming and costly, so it's important for couples to plan accordingly if they wish to change their names after getting married.

Marriage and Divorce Records Availability and Access

The new law also affects the availability and access to marriage and divorce records in Tennessee. Under the previous law, these records were available only to certain individuals, such as the parties involved in the marriage or divorce. However, the new law makes these records available to the public, with some exceptions. For example, records involving minors or cases of domestic violence may be restricted.

Impact of the New Law on Same-Sex Couples

The new Tennessee Marriage Law has significant implications for same-sex couples. Under the previous law, same-sex couples were not allowed to get married in Tennessee. However, following the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, same-sex couples in Tennessee were granted the right to marry. The new law does not change this right and applies equally to all couples, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.In conclusion, the New Tennessee Marriage Law brings significant changes to the state's marriage requirements, aiming to modernize and simplify the process of getting married in Tennessee. The law eliminates outdated requirements, introduces new rules for obtaining a marriage license, and clarifies the recognition of out-of-state marriages. It also affects the availability and access to marriage and divorce records and provides important protections for underage individuals. Finally, the law grants same-sex couples the right to marry, as guaranteed by the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

The New Tennessee Marriage Law: An Overview

The state of Tennessee has recently passed a new law regarding marriage, which has sparked heated debates both in the state and nationwide. The law, officially known as HB 0890/SB 1369, went into effect on July 1st, 2019, and includes several provisions that significantly impact the state's marriage practices.

The Pros of the New Tennessee Marriage Law

Proponents of the new law argue that it provides several benefits for the state and its residents, including:

Protecting the sanctity of marriage: The law requires couples to obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office before getting married, which proponents say ensures that the institution of marriage is taken seriously.
Strengthening families: By requiring premarital counseling for couples under the age of 18, the law aims to reduce divorce rates and promote healthy family relationships.
Reducing fraud: The law prohibits any person from officiating a wedding ceremony without being authorized by the state, which advocates say will help prevent fraudulent marriages and protect vulnerable individuals.

The Cons of the New Tennessee Marriage Law

Opponents of the new law argue that it unfairly discriminates against certain groups and undermines individual freedoms, including:

Discrimination against same-sex couples: The law explicitly states that only ordained or licensed members of religious organizations can perform wedding ceremonies, which some argue excludes LGBTQ+ individuals who may not be accepted by certain religious institutions.
Restricting access to marriage: The law requires couples to wait at least 72 hours after obtaining a marriage license before getting married, which some argue places unnecessary obstacles for couples who may have time-sensitive reasons for getting married.
Interfering with personal beliefs: The law requires premarital counseling for couples under the age of 18 and mandates certain topics that must be covered, which some argue interferes with individuals' personal beliefs and values.

Key Terms in the New Tennessee Marriage Law

For those interested in learning more about the law, here are some key terms to know:

Term	Definition
Marriage license	A legal document issued by the county clerk's office that allows couples to get married in the state of Tennessee.
Premarital counseling	Counseling sessions that couples must attend before getting married, which cover topics such as conflict resolution, communication, and financial management.
Officiant	The person who performs the wedding ceremony.
72-hour waiting period	The required waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and getting married. Couples can waive this waiting period if they meet certain criteria, such as completing premarital counseling.

Closing Message: Understanding the New Tennessee Marriage Law

As we come to the end of this blog post, I hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the new Tennessee marriage law. It is crucial to stay informed about changes in the law that can have a significant impact on our lives, and the new legislation certainly falls into this category.

The new law has been designed to make it easier for couples to obtain a marriage license, removing some of the previous barriers that existed. However, it is important to note that there are still requirements that must be met before a license can be granted. Couples must still provide valid identification, complete a premarital counseling course, and pay the relevant fees.

One of the key aspects of the new law is the removal of the waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and getting married. This change has been welcomed by many couples who found the previous 3-day waiting period to be an unnecessary inconvenience.

The new law also removes the need for a blood test as part of the application process. This change reflects advances in medical science and the recognition that such tests are no longer necessary.

Another important aspect of the new law is the requirement for premarital counseling. This is designed to help couples build strong and healthy relationships from the outset, and to reduce the risk of divorce. The counseling can be completed online or in-person and covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and financial management.

It is worth noting that the new law has also received criticism from some quarters. Some argue that the removal of the waiting period and blood test could make it easier for people to enter into marriages that are not well-considered, potentially leading to higher rates of divorce.

However, it is important to remember that the new law has been designed to make the process of obtaining a marriage license easier and more accessible, while still ensuring that couples meet certain requirements before they can get married.

Overall, the new Tennessee marriage law represents an important change that will have a significant impact on the lives of many people. Whether you are planning to get married in Tennessee or simply want to stay informed about changes in the law, it is important to take the time to understand the new legislation and what it means for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope that you have found it informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or would like to share your thoughts on the new Tennessee marriage law, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Remember, whether you are getting married for the first time or renewing your vows, it is always important to seek legal advice to ensure that you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities under the law.

Until next time, stay safe and stay informed.

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