APPLICATION for MARRIAGE LICENSE for MINORS
FAMILY COURT SERVICES

WRITTEN CONSENT
A minor (under eighteen years old) who wishes to marry must obtain written consent from one of the minor's parents and from a Superior Court judge in Family Court. The minor must be a resident in Santa Clara County. The couple must apply at Family Court Services.
 

If the minor is currently a Delinquent or Dependent Child of the Court, the request for permission to marry must go through the supervising Probation Officer or Social Worker assigned to the case to obtain written consent from a Juvenile Court judge.

COUNSELING
Santa Clara County requires that the couple participate in at least two pre-marital counseling sessions with a licensed mental health professional (a Marriage, Family, Child Counselor; Clinical Social Worker; or Psychologist). The counseling must be completed before the judge will consider the application for a written consent.

DOCUMENTATION
The following documentation is required as an application for judicial consent and must be completed prior to submitting application to the judge for review:

1. Premarital Questionnaires: Completed by each of the parties.
2. Consent Form: The minor's parent or legal guardian must sign the consent form in the presence of the Family Court Services clerk. The parent/legal guardian must present a picture identification and the guardian must present a proof of guardianship.
3. Emancipation Court Order: An Emancipated Minor may provide a certified copy of the court order of Emancipation in place of parent/guardian consent.
4. Counseling Certification: A Completed Certification, must be written by the counselor that the premarital counseling requirement has been fulfilled.
5. Pregnancy Verification: If the female applicant is pregnant, written verification of the pregnancy must be given by a physician or clinic.
6. Employment Verification: If either party is employed, a letter of verification must be written by the employer(s). If the party is a member of the military, a check stub or ID card may be submitted in place of the letter.
7. School Verification: If either party is in school, a letter is required from the school verifying enrollment ( a report card is not acceptable documentation).
8. Final Dissolution Papers: If either party has been previously married, a copy of the final dissolution papers must be submitted.
9. Probation or Parole Release of Information: If an adult party is on probation or parole, the party must authorize the probation/parole officer to release information regarding the party to Family Court Services. The officer must contact Family Court Services for consultation.