Policies and Laws

Marriage isn't just an act between two people. It's a legal and social contract that is recognized by local, state and Federal governments. Governments are involved with marriage in many ways. Laws tell us how old you have to be to get married and what you have to do to divorce.

In this section we provide information about government activities to support healthy marriages. We also have summaries of state laws and policies that affect marriage, divorce and family life.

Federal Healthy Marriage Initiative: This section of the website includes information on Federally funded Healthy Marriage Initiatives, including the Administration for Children and Families initiative, which has directed funding to states, universities and social service organizations to provide healthy marriage resources to their local communities.
State Healthy Marriage Activities: States have a vital interest in promoting healthy marriage as a way to increase or maintain economic self-sufficiency, improve child well-being, decrease nonmarital child bearing, and increase community stability. States also have a vital role to play in the efforts to encourage healthy marriages.
Federal Policies and Laws: This section of the website provides information on policies and laws at the Federal level that impact Healthy Marriage programs.
State Policies and Laws: This section of the website provides information on policies and laws at the State level that impact Healthy Marriage programs.