Getting married is a big life milestone for many people. It’s a time when two individuals come together to share their lives and love with one another. But before you can tie the knot, there are a few legal requirements that need to be met. One of these requirements is obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This certificate is required for couples who wish to get married in New Zealand. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the New Zealand Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is, why it’s necessary, and how to obtain it.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a legal document that verifies that there is no legal impediment to a couple getting married. It’s also known as a Certificate of No Record of Marriage or a Certificate of Freedom to Marry. The certificate states that both parties are free to enter into a marriage contract without any legal restrictions or barriers.
In New Zealand, this certificate is issued by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The certificate is valid for three months from the date of issue and is required for all couples who wish to get married in New Zealand.
Why is the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage necessary?
The Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is necessary to ensure that both parties are legally free to get married. It helps to prevent marriages that are not legally valid, such as marriages that are bigamous or involve minors. The certificate also helps to protect the rights of both parties and ensures that they are entering into the marriage contract freely and without any legal restrictions.
Without this certificate, a couple cannot legally get married in New Zealand. This means that they will not be able to enjoy the legal benefits of marriage, such as joint property ownership, inheritance rights, and the ability to sponsor a partner for immigration purposes.
Who needs a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
All couples who wish to get married in New Zealand need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This includes both New Zealand citizens and non-citizens.
If one or both parties are not New Zealand citizens, they may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a passport or visa, to prove their identity and eligibility to get married in New Zealand.
How to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
To obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, you will need to complete an application form and provide supporting documentation. The application form can be obtained from the Department of Internal Affairs or downloaded from their website.
Supporting documentation may include proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license, and proof of current marital status, such as a divorce certificate or death certificate if you have been previously married.
You will also need to provide the names and contact information of two witnesses who can verify that you are free to get married. These witnesses must be over the age of 18 and cannot be family members.
Once you have completed the application form and provided the necessary documentation, you will need to submit it to the Department of Internal Affairs. The processing time for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is usually around 20 working days.
Conclusion
The Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is an important legal requirement for couples who wish to get married in New Zealand. It verifies that both parties are legally free to enter into a marriage contract and helps to prevent marriages that are not legally valid. If you are planning to get married in New Zealand, make sure to obtain your Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage well in advance to avoid any delays or issues with your wedding plans.
