10/02/2025
FEATURES OF COURT MARRIAGE
It’s surprising that with this new wave of people contracting court marriages—also known as Statutory Marriage or Marriage Under the Act — 90% of them do not fully understand its implications and features.
Going into something without proper knowledge is unwise. So, before you say "I do" in court, here are some key features you must know:
1. No Polygamy – You cannot legally marry more than one wife like Oga Ned. Doing so is bigamy, which carries a penalty of 5 to 7 years in prison.
2. No Instant Divorce – You cannot simply tell your wife to "pack her load and go" even if you catch her cheating. The marriage remains valid until properly dissolved in court.
3. Leaving Isn’t Enough – If your husband is abusive, simply packing your things and leaving does not end the marriage. As long as a court has not dissolved it, you are still legally married. If you remarry without a divorce, it is bigamy—a criminal offense.
4. Bride Price Return Doesn’t End the Marriage – Even if you return the bride price, you are still married under the law until you obtain a divorce decree.
5. Automatic Inheritance – If you die without a will, your wife automatically inherits your properties, whether in heaven or on Earth.
6. Adultery is Costly – If you impregnate another woman or your wife cheats, it is considered adultery, and the innocent spouse can sue for millions in damages.
7. Joint Property – Any property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be jointly owned, even if only one partner’s name is on the documents.
8. Divorce is Costly and Time-Consuming
While getting married in court is cheap, divorce is legally complex and expensive.
The process requires legal representation, court proceedings, and sometimes, financial settlements.
9. Polygamy is a Crime – Once married under the Act, you cannot legally take another wife. Doing so is a criminal offense
