The Legal Age for Marriage in Morocco
Marriage is a formal legal act that demands a complete understanding of its resulting legal consequences. Therefore, the contracting parties must possess the capacity to marry, which primarily involves reaching the minimum legal age for marriage.
The Moroccan legislature has established the legal provisions governing this matter in Article 19 of the Moroccan Family Code. These provisions are standardized and apply equally to all individuals intending to marry, whether male or female.
Marriage Age in Morocco: Article 19 of the Family Code
Article 19 of the Moroccan Family Code (Moudawana) states the following:"Capacity to marry is acquired when a young man and a young woman in possession of their mental faculties complete eighteen full Gregorian years."Based on this article, it is evident that the legislature has strictly linked the capacity to marry in Morocco to the fulfillment of the following conditions:
1. Reaching 18 Years of Age as the First Condition for Marriage
Both the young man and the young woman are required to have completed 18 full Gregorian years precisely on the day the marriage contract is concluded.
To verify that a person has reached this exact age, the court obligatorily relies on the data recorded in the civil registry book. The court cannot accept age verification from any certificate other than the official civil registry book.
To verify that a person has reached this exact age, the court obligatorily relies on the data recorded in the civil registry book. The court cannot accept age verification from any certificate other than the official civil registry book.
2. Possession of Mental Faculties as the Second Condition for Marriage
Since the marriage contract—as previously mentioned—is a binding legal act, possessing sound mental capacity is an essential prerequisite for its execution. Neither spouse may be classified as insane (lacking mental capacity) or mentally impaired (suffering from a cognitive disability that prevents them from controlling their thoughts and behavior).
Consequently, as a general rule within the Moroccan legal system, the marriage of a minor or a child (i.e., a person under the age of 18) is not permissible. However, an exception can be made if certain specific conditions are met, a topic we will explore in a future article.
"Questions are the true keys to knowledge, and no question is 'too simple.' Leave your thoughts below, and I won’t consider my job done until I’ve responded to the very last one of you."
Sources:
Consequently, as a general rule within the Moroccan legal system, the marriage of a minor or a child (i.e., a person under the age of 18) is not permissible. However, an exception can be made if certain specific conditions are met, a topic we will explore in a future article.
"Questions are the true keys to knowledge, and no question is 'too simple.' Leave your thoughts below, and I won’t consider my job done until I’ve responded to the very last one of you."
Sources:
- Law No. 70.03 constituting the Moroccan Family Code, promulgated by Dahir (Royal Decree) No. 1.04.22 on February 3, 2004 (12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1424), and published in the Official Gazette No. 5184 on 14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1424 (February 5, 2004), page 418.
Post a Comment for "The Legal Age for Marriage in Morocco"
✛ Join the Discussion! 💬 Do you have insights or inquiries regarding this article? Share your perspectives with the specialized "Arable Law Hub" community. We welcome constructive contributions that enrich the legal discourse.
⚠ NOTICE: As part of our quality assurance process, all comments are subject to review and moderation. Abusive, promotional, or irrelevant content will not be published.