Premarital Underage Couseling
Persons under sixteen years of age cannot marry without the consent of the parent or guardian
having Legal Decision Making of such person and the approval of the presiding family court judge. Prior to the
issuance of a marriage license in Maricopa County, individuals under the age of 16 are required to
attend pre-marital counseling. In circumstances where only one individual is under the age of 16,
both parties must attend pre-marital counseling. The counselor makes recommendations to the Court
regarding whether the underage minors should be allowed to marry. Final decision rests with the
Family Court Presiding Judge
Prior to an appointment being set the requesting parties need to come to Conciliation Services to
fill out the appropriate paperwork. The minor who is under 16 will need to bring a certified copy
of their birth certificate. If one of the parties is over 16, they will need to bring a picture ID.
Once the paperwork is completed, an appointment with a counselor will be scheduled. The parent or
guardian of the minor child must also come to the appointment.