Are there any laws forbidding arranged marriages?

In Washington State, there are no laws on the books that explicitly forbid arranged marriages. However, courts in the state have taken steps to ensure that all marriages are entered into by two consenting adults who are of legal age and not under any form of coercion. This has essentially limited the ability of people to enter into arranged marriages as these requirements must be met regardless of the circumstances in which the marriage takes place. Even in the absence of explicit laws, Washington State courts have consistently looked unfavorably at arranged marriages, citing concerns about the potential for manipulation, exploitation, abuse, and human trafficking. In the event that courts decide an arranged marriage is invalid, they have the ability to annul or void the marriage. In addition, Washington State courts have the authority to hold those arranging the marriage civilly liable for any damages suffered by the parties as a result of the arrangement. Given the potential for manipulation and abuse, Washington State courts are mandated to thoroughly investigate any claims of an arranged marriage before putting their imprimatur of approval on it. Marriage laws take into consideration not just the legal status of the couple but also the collective well-being of the entire family. In any event, it is best for potential spouses to consult legal counsel to ensure their rights and freedoms are fully protected.

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Are there any laws forbidding arranged marriages?

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