What is Forced Marriage?
Forced marriage refers to a marriage where one or both individuals do not (or cannot) consent to the marriage and are coerced into it through physical, emotional, or psychological pressure. It is a violation of those individuals’ rights and is distinct from arranged marriages, where both parties consent.
Certain legal protections are available for people who have been coerced into marrying against their will. The Forced Marriage Act 2007 introduced Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FPMOs) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which provide a civil remedy to protect victims or potential victims of forced marriage. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act 2014 criminalised forced marriages in England and Wales, making it illegal to force someone to marry you or to deceive someone into going abroad for the purpose of a forced marriage.
Our Approach
Our Forced Marriage team has undergone specialist training in this complex field and is well-versed in the necessary court procedures.
If you decide to meet with one of our solicitors about a forced marriage, we will explain all the options available to you to safeguard your family, such as obtaining a FMPO.
Legal aid is available to victims of forced marriage who seek protection. Victims hoping to secure an FPMO should secure any details supporting their case, such as medical reports, testimonies, or police reports that substantiate any violence or threats of violence toward the victim.
International Forced Marriage
Click here for more details about International Forced Marriage.
Forced Marriage, Child Marriage and FGM: Practical Signs and Legal Protection
This article looks at some of the practical signs and what steps we can take to protect those who may be at risk.
A blog by Shabina Begum.
Get in touch with our forced marriage solicitors
Goodman Ray’s team of experts are experienced in representing and protecting clients who are either threatened with forced marriage, have been forced into a marriage, or have been stranded abroad as a result of a forced marriage.
To speak to a Forced Marriage solicitor for expert advice you can trust, contact Goodman Ray Solicitors on 020 7608 1227 or contact us online through our website or by emailing us at mail@goodmanray.com.
Call us
☎️ Call our London office on 020 7608 1227
☎️ Call our Brighton office on 01273 090211
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) by calling 020 7008 0151 or call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Seek legal advice and support from our Forced Marriage team.
An FPMO is a legal measure designed to protect individuals from being forced into marriage or to assist those who have already been forced into marriage.
Yes, third parties, such as friends, relatives, or local authorities, can apply for a FPMO on behalf of someone at risk.
When applying for an FPMO, it’s best to include details concerning any violence the Respondent, or the person who has forced someone into marriage, has used or threatened. These details can be found in documents such as medical reports, testimonies and personal statements, police reports, and even text message screenshots.
The Family Act 1996 and the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 allow for the provision of legal aid for forced marriage cases.
You have the right to seek legal protection and annul the marriage. Contact us for advice on your specific situation.
