SB143 Summary

• Abolishes the requirement for Alabama couples to obtain a marriage license from the judge of probate and replaces it with a statutory marriage contract system.

• Allows two persons to enter marriage by submitting notarized affidavits and forms to the judge of probate, which establishes legal recognition on the date both parties sign, provided filing occurs within 30 days of the last signature.

• Requires marriage documents to include full legal names, notarized affidavits from each party confirming they are not currently married and are legally competent, signatures of both parties, and parental/guardian consent affidavits if either party is a minor.

• Eliminates the requirement for a marriage ceremony or solemnization to have any legal effect on marriage validity, making any religious or civil ceremony optional.

• Repeals five existing sections of Alabama Code governing marriage licensing and becomes effective 60 days after passage and gubernatorial approval.