Court Marriage in Nepal- Process

Court marriage in Nepal is a legally recognized procedure conducted through the District Court. The process is governed by the National Civil Code, 2074 (2017), providing an official, straightforward method for couples who wish to marry each other without the need for traditional ceremonies or for various other reasons.

Eligibility Criteria:

In order to proceed with a court marriage, both parties must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Age Requirement: Both individuals must be at least 20 years old.

Mutual Consent: The marriage must be based on mutual consent of both parties.

Marital Status: The couple must be unmarried, divorced, or widowed at the time of application.

Required Documents:

To begin the court marriage process, the following documents must be submitted to the District Court:

• Application to request court marriage registration.
• Citizenship Certificates: copies of the citizenship certificates of both parties
• Passport-sized Photographs: Typically, 4 photos of each individual.
• Witnesses’ Citizenship Certificates: At least two witnesses from respective applicants must be present to validate the marriage.
• Unmarried/Divorce/Widowhood Certificate from the respective Ward Office: As applicable, these documents confirm the marital status of both parties. (अविवाहितको प्रमाणपत्र)
• Ward Office Letter: If the couple wishes to get married in a district other than their permanent address, they must provide a letter from the ward office confirming their temporary residence in that district for at least 15 days. (अस्थायी बसोबासको सिफारिस)

For foreign nationals, additional documentation is required, including:

• Valid passport,
• Visa,
• No Objection Letter (NOC) from the respective embassy
• Proof of at least 15 days’ stay in Nepal from the respective ward office.
• Marriage Law of their respective countries. (Translated Version).

Step-by-Step Process:

Application Submission: The process begins by submitting the completed application form along with the required documents to the District Court.

Document Verification: The court will review and verify all submitted documents for authenticity and completeness.

Court Hearing: The court will schedule a hearing where both parties, along with their witnesses, will be required to appear before a judge. The judge will confirm the voluntary nature of the marriage and ensure all legal requirements are met.

Marriage Certificate Issuance: Upon successful verification and hearing, the court will issue an official Marriage Certificate. This certificate serves as the legal confirmation of the marriage.

Processing Time: The court marriage process typically takes 1 to 3 working days to complete, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case. It is advisable to plan ahead and allow ample time for document verification and court scheduling.

Fees

The government fees for court marriage:

Additional costs may apply for document preparation, translations, and legal assistance, depending on the circumstances of the marriage. It is advisable to confirm the exact fees with the District Court at the time of application.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, Kabhya Law Associates assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. For specific legal advice or assistance, we recommend consulting a lawyer. We, at Kabhya Law Associates, provide this service.