#68 | Posted by truthhurts at 2024-05-10 03:33 PM | Reply | Flag:
"Top of my head, it would certainly be harmful to the 16 or 17 year old to take on someone else's debt."
You might want to google that one, I'm pretty sure spouses aren't responsible for each other's debt, only debt for community property they both own and signed for. Regardless, that WOULD be a legaly binding contract, so a minor can't legally take on debt.
"ld certainly be harmful to the 16 or 17 year old to get married and thus limit their ability to meet what would be a better match for them"
Absolutely, but isn't that their choice? Are you in favor of state arranged marriages, you know to help them find a better match?
"-I mean that is the point of these laws, right, to protect the child from making life altering decisions until old enough to fully understand the consequences of their actions."
Do you really feel that way? Does that mean you think 16-17 year olds should NOT be allowed to have puberty blockers, gender affirming surgeries and abortions?
I admit that that wisdom in not limited to people of any specific age (there are idiots at 27 and wise kids at 15) but a demarcation has to be somewhere.
I agree. So did New Hampshire when they raised the age for marriage (with parental consent and court approval) to 16 a few years ago. But you think that is too low?
"Having to make end of life decisions may be detrimental to a 16 or 17 year old who has limited experience/wisdom."
End of life Decisions? You mean like if Becky Sue married a Boomer and he had a heart attack and she had to decide whether to disconnect life support? Ok, I'll give you that one. Add it to the Judge's list, before approving teenage marriages both parties must have a living will on file for such circumstances.
"Minor's not being able to sign a contract is actually a big part of it. Many of the obligations that attend marriage are financial obligations."
I think I covered that above, Can you give me an example of a financial obligation that a 16-17 year old would incur solely as a result of marriage? They can't sign a lease, mortgage or car loan, and I doubt they will have enough left over from their minimum wage paychecks to have savings to fight over.
"WRT to the state's actions, I think their actions should be to support people in need and not dictate their choices."
I'm not sure what you mean here. Telling people they cannot get married is dictating their choices.