This report provides an overview of laws governing child marriage in the United States. It covers the different exceptions to minimum ages at marriage (set at 18), and advocates for the age of marriage to be set at 18 in every state without exceptions.
The report also discusses contradictions in the law whereby child marriage is allowed due to exceptions, but anyone under the age of 18 faces huge barriers if they wish to leave a marriage. As a minor, they are often legally incapable of filing for a divorce, seeking support services independently, or setting up home alone.
The report also makes the point that judges are often not trained in child marriage and therefore are not able to adequately scrutinise requests for underage marriage brought to them to approve.