Forced marriage
Where a marriage takes place without the consent of one, or both, parties
Our experienced team can support you with obtaining a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
Our experienced team can support you with obtaining a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
Forced marriage is illegal in England and Wales. This includes: taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place), arranging a marriage for someone who lacks mental capacity (whether they're pressured to or not) or arranging a marriage for someone before they turn 18.
Forcing someone to marry can result in a sentence of up to 7 years in prison. The court can be asked to make a Forced Marriage Protection Order. The application can be made by the person seeking protection, or their local authority.
Each order is unique and is designed to protect someone according to their individual circumstances. For example, the court may order someone to hand over a passport or reveal where a person is. A FMPO can be made to protect a victim or a person at risk from a spouse or prospective spouse, family member or anyone involved.
In an emergency, an order can be made to protect someone immediately.
If you need any advice about forced marriage, our team are on hand to support you, confidentially, with this.
Zoe is the Head of our Private Family law team. Zoe works closely with her clients assisting them through what are often stressful and difficult circumstances.
Head of Private Family Department
