At age 18, you can marry without the consent of your parents.
Q: Do I need a marriage license?
A: Yes. Marriage is considered a legal contract. You must apply for the license at the clerk of the Superior Court in any Arizona county (A.R.S. §25-121).
Q: Once I have the license, what else do I need?
A: A marriage ceremony (generally by a clergyman, judge or other person authorized by law to conduct marriages) held before the expiration of the marriage license, which is one year (A.R.S. §25-121(B)). Additionally, you will need (A.R.S. §25-111, A.R.S. §25-124, & A.R.S. §25-125):
- Two witnesses who are also at least eighteen years of age to participate in the ceremony
- The marriage license must be signed by both people being married, the two witnesses to the marriage ceremony, and the person who conducted the marriage
- The person who conducted the marriage must return the signed marriage license to the Clerk of the Superior Court for recording
Q: What is community property?
A: In Arizona, all property acquired during the marriage by either spouse is community property (including wages), and is equal property of both spouses. However, there is still separate property, including (A.R.S. §25-211 & A.R.S. §25-213):
- Property owned by one spouse prior to the marriage which remains that spouse’s separate property unless commingled with community assets
- Property obtained by one spouse during the marriage, by way of a gift or inheritance that is “ear-marked” for that spouse
- A judgment for a spouse’s personal injuries
Q: Who is responsible for paying the bills?
A: Both spouses have equal management and control over the community property and have equal responsibility for community debts (the bills). Both have an obligation to provide for the support of the other spouse and their minor children. Either spouse may be responsible for necessities furnished to the other spouse or their minor children (A.R.S. §25-214 & A.R.S. §25-501).
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.