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HB 4295

Family law: marriage and divorce; minimum without publicity for persons under 18 years of age; prohibit. Amends sec. 1 of 1897 PA 180 (MCL 551.201). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0209'23, SB 0212'23, HB 4294'23, HB 4296'23

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Felicia Brabec and 13 co-sponsors

Michigan prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 without both parental consent and judicial court approval, eliminating prior consent-only pathways and adding protective oversight.

assigned PA 122'23 with immediate effect
#familylaw:marriageanddivorce
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Bill Summary · HB 4295

Legislative bill overview

HB 4295 amends Michigan's marriage law to prohibit marriages for persons under 18 years of age without parental consent and judicial approval. The bill eliminates the previous allowance for minors to marry with only parental consent, now requiring additional court review. It is tied to companion legislation (SB 0209, SB 0212, HB 4294, HB 4296) that comprehensively reform Michigan's child marriage regulations.

Why is this important

Child marriage has documented harms including disrupted education, health complications, and increased domestic violence risk. Michigan previously allowed minors as young as 16 to marry with parental consent alone. This reform adds judicial oversight as a protective measure, aligning Michigan with national trends toward restricting early marriage and prioritizing child welfare.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental rights vs. state intervention: Some argue heightened judicial review infringes on parental decision-making authority, while advocates contend courts better protect vulnerable minors
  • Implementation challenges: Courts may face increased caseloads and lack clear criteria for approval decisions, creating inconsistent outcomes across jurisdictions
  • Exceptions and scope: The bill's specific exceptions (if any) for circumstances like pregnancy or emancipation may be viewed as either insufficient protections or government overreach depending on perspective

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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