Getting married is one of the biggest decisions in life. And before tying the knot, couples need to go through some legal processes to ensure that their marriage will be recognized by the law. In New Zealand, one of the requirements for getting married is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNIM). In this article, we will discuss what a CNIM is, why it is needed, and the process of obtaining one.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNIM) is a legal document issued by the New Zealand government to certify that there are no legal impediments to a person’s marriage. It is also known as a Single Status Certificate or a Certificate of Freedom to Marry.
The CNIM contains information about the applicant, such as their full name, date of birth, and passport details. It also states that the person is free to get married and that there are no legal impediments to their marriage.
The CNIM is required by many countries as proof of eligibility to get married. It is also used to verify that the person is not already married or in a civil union.
Why is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage Needed?
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is needed to ensure that the marriage is legal and recognized by the law. It is required by many countries, including New Zealand, to prove that the person is free to get married and that there are no legal impediments to their marriage.
The CNIM is also used to verify that the person is not already married or in a civil union, which is a legal impediment to getting married. This is important to prevent bigamy or polygamy, which is illegal in many countries.
Who Needs a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
Any person who wishes to get married in New Zealand and is not a New Zealand citizen or resident needs to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This includes foreigners, tourists, and people on temporary visas.
Even if the person has been living in New Zealand for a long time, they still need to obtain a CNIM if they are not a citizen or resident. This is because the CNIM verifies that the person is free to get married and that there are no legal impediments to their marriage.
Requirements for Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
There are several requirements that a person needs to fulfill to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in New Zealand:
- The person must be at least 18 years old
- The person must not be married or in a civil union
- The person must not be related to their intended spouse
- The person must provide proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license
- The person must provide proof of their immigration status, such as a visa or residency permit
- The person must provide proof of their address in New Zealand
- The person must pay the application fee
Procedure for Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
The procedure for obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in New Zealand is as follows:
- Download and complete the application form from the New Zealand government website.
- Submit the completed application form, along with the required documents and application fee, to the nearest New Zealand Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your home country.
- The Embassy or Consulate will process the application and issue the CNIM if all the requirements are met.
The processing time for a CNIM varies depending on the country and the Embassy or Consulate. It is best to apply for a CNIM at least 3 months before the intended wedding date to allow for processing time.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a legal document that verifies that a person is free to get married and that there are no legal impediments to their marriage. It is required by many countries, including New Zealand, to ensure that the marriage is legal and recognized by the law. To obtain a CNIM in New Zealand, a person needs to meet certain requirements and follow a specific procedure. It is best to apply for a CNIM at least 3 months before the intended wedding date to allow for processing time.
