How to Do Court Marriage in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting married is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make in your life. And doing it the right way is essential to avoid future complications. Court marriage is a legal and straightforward way to tie the knot in Nigeria. However, many people find the process daunting, complicated, and confusing. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to do court marriage in Nigeria.

What is Court Marriage in Nigeria?

Court marriage, also known as statutory marriage, is a legal process of getting married that is recognized under Nigerian law. It is a civil ceremony that is conducted in a court of law in the presence of a marriage registrar and two witnesses. It is a formal process that is devoid of any religious or traditional rites or customs.

Who Can Get Married in Nigeria?

To get married in Nigeria, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if you are below 21 years old.
• You must be of the opposite sex.
• You must not be married to someone else.
• You must not be closely related by blood.

How to Do Court Marriage in Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a detailed guide on how to do court marriage in Nigeria:

Step 1: Obtain and Fill the Marriage Form

To commence the court marriage process, you need to obtain and fill the marriage form. The form is obtainable at the marriage registry or online. The form contains details about the couples, such as their names, ages, occupations, residential addresses, and identification documents.

Step 2: Submit the Marriage Form

After filling the marriage form, the next step is to submit it to the marriage registry. The registry will verify the information on the form and issue you a receipt. You will also pay a fee for the processing of the form.

Step 3: Verification and Publication of Marriage Certificate

The marriage registry will verify the information on the form and conduct a background check on the couples. The registry will also publish the marriage certificate for at least 21 days to allow for objections from the public.

Step 4: Swearing Affidavits

After the publication of the marriage certificate, the couples are required to swear affidavits before a commissioner of oaths. The affidavits attest to the fact that the couples are eligible to get married and that there are no lawful impediments to the marriage.

Step 5: Payment and Submission of Documents

The couples will also pay a fee for the issuance of the marriage certificate. The required documents for the issuance of the marriage certificate include the following:

• Evidence of payment of the prescribed fee
• Sworn affidavits by the couples
• Two recent passport photographs of each of the couples
• Photocopies of the identification documents of the couples
• Evidence of publication of the marriage certificate

Step 6: The Court Marriage Ceremony

After submitting the required documents and payment, the court will schedule a date for the marriage ceremony. The ceremony usually takes place in the court registry in the presence of a registrar and two witnesses. The couples will exchange vows and sign the marriage certificate. The registrar will also sign, and the couples will collect their copy of the marriage certificate.

Advantages of Court Marriage in Nigeria

• It is recognized by the law and provides legal protection for the couples in case of disputes.
• It is a straightforward process that does not require any religious or traditional rites or customs.
• It is affordable and accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

Court marriage in Nigeria is a legal and straightforward process of getting married that is recognized under Nigerian law. Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can avoid complications and have a smooth court marriage process. Ensure you meet the requirements, fill the marriage form, submit the form, swear affidavits, submit the required documents, and have the court marriage ceremony.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete a court marriage in Nigeria?
   A: The court marriage process usually takes about 1-2 months to complete, depending on the processing time of the documents and verification.

2. Can foreigners get married in Nigeria?
   A: Yes, foreigners can get married in Nigeria as long as they meet the requirements and follow the court marriage process.

3. Can a court marriage be dissolved in Nigeria?
   A: Yes, a court marriage can be dissolved in Nigeria through a legal process in court.

4. Do I need to have a traditional or religious wedding after a court marriage in Nigeria?
   A: No, a court marriage is a legal and formal process of getting married, and you are not required to have a traditional or religious wedding.

5. Can I change my name after a court marriage in Nigeria?
   A: Yes, you can change your name after a court marriage in Nigeria by following the legal process of name change.