Why Does My Marriage Certificate Say Never Validly Married?

Marriage certificates are essential documents for obtaining legal status in various countries. In Australia, a marriage license must be “Never Validly Married” if the couple has never been legally married and any previous relationships did not result in a valid marriage according to Australian law. This status applies if the previous marriage was annulled or if the couple entered into a sham marriage arrangement.

When a client does not have valid proof of marriage, they can contact the issuing office to confirm if the license has been filed and the procedure for filing it. If the marriage certificate is not in English, evidence must be provided in English, and a certified translation along with the original document will need to be provided to the court.

If a name is not chosen, there are three options: apply for a new marriage license, change the name on the marriage certificate, or petition the court for a separate legal name change. Marriage certificates provide valuable information on two strands of the family tree and help trace the couple back to the next generation. Conjugal status refers to whether the couple has been married and divorced, married and their partner has died, or never been married.

A marriage can also be void if the consent of the parties is not real consent, such as duress or fraud. The term “never validly married” may be used on item 7 of the NOIM in cases where a court-issued decree of nullity or an annulment exists.

In summary, marriage certificates are crucial documents for obtaining legal status in various countries, and it is essential to consult with an attorney if you are unsure about your marriage certificate’s validity.