SWORD
Court marriage, while legally binding and beneficial in many ways, also has some disadvantages. Here are some key drawbacks:
1. Lack of Traditional and Religious Elements
- Many cultures and religions emphasize traditional wedding ceremonies. Court marriages may not include these cultural and religious rites, which can be important for family and community acceptance.
2. Strict Legal Formalities
- Court marriages require official documentation, including affidavits, age verification, and witnesses. The legal process can be time-consuming and sometimes bureaucratic.
3. No Flexibility in Divorce Laws
- Unlike traditional marriages, which may allow for informal separation or religious annulments, court marriages require formal legal proceedings for divorce, which can be lengthy and costly.
4. Family and Social Disapproval
- In some societies, families may not support court marriages, especially if they expect elaborate traditional or religious weddings. This can lead to strained relationships.
5. Public Record and Legal Scrutiny
- Court marriages are legally registered, making them public records. This means that personal marriage details can be accessed by others, which may be a concern for privacy.
6. Possible Loss of Traditional Marriage Benefits
- In some cultures, traditional marriage comes with family blessings, gifts, or inheritance rights that may not be recognized if only a court marriage is done.
7. No Extravagance or Celebration
- Unlike traditional or religious weddings, court marriages are usually simple and formal, which might not fulfill the dream of a grand wedding for some couples.
8. Costly in Case of Divorce
- Divorce settlements in legally registered marriages can be complex, involving alimony, property division, and child custody battles, which can be financially draining.
PRESS
1. You can not marry more than one wife like Oga Ned (Na bigamy, 5 to 7yrs of FREE beans)
2. You can not control your wife the way you want like our fathers did
3. You can not ask your wife to pack her load and go back to her parents house just like that even though you catch her with another man on your Matrimonial bed
4. If you like return bride price, if you no go through divorce, you are still married
5. You can not have side chick with peace of mind
6. If you don’t write a WILL, if you kpai mistakenly ehn
All your properties in heaven and Earth goes to your wife
7. Nothing like the husband is the head, ns equal rights you and your wife get before the law
8. If you give another woman belle outside, na Adultery and your wife use you cashout
9. Small help wey she render when you dey build your house, the law don consider am say she contributed to the acquisition of that property, them go share am during divorce
10. Once the marriage reach 15yrs and your wife get some issues wey no go fit make her work again then for one reason or the other una come divorce
My brother, na you go dey take her responsibility until she marry another man and if she no marry another man
Aluta continua for taking care of her.
11. My brother, divorce no easy opoo
E dey very expensive, for a start lawyer go collect at least 100k to 150k and that divorce process fit last 3 to 5 yrs and na so you go dey spend money up and down.
12. Court marriage (statutory marriage) is cheap but to end am, na season film, e no dey end easily
13. Na crime to ask your wife to stop work and become full house wife. (FREE BEANS FOR YOU)
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Comparison Between Court Marriage and Traditional Marriage
| Aspect | Court Marriage | Traditional Marriage |
|---|---|---|
| Legality | Legally recognized and registered with the government. | Recognized culturally and socially but may not have full legal standing unless registered. |
| Procedure | Requires legal documentation, affidavits, witnesses, and registration at a marriage registry. | Involves cultural and religious ceremonies, bride price, and family negotiations. |
| Religious Involvement | Secular, with no religious rituals or blessings. | Often follows religious and traditional customs, involving prayers, blessings, and rites. |
| Cost | Generally cheaper as it involves minimal expenses. | Can be expensive due to bride price, dowry, and elaborate ceremonies. |
| Social Acceptance | May face resistance from families and communities in conservative societies. | More widely accepted, as it aligns with cultural and religious expectations. |
| Privacy | Marriage records are public and accessible. | More private, as records are usually kept within families and communities. |
| Flexibility in Divorce | Requires a legal process, which can be time-consuming and costly. | In some cultures, traditional divorce can be easier but may not be legally recognized. |
| Inheritance and Property Rights | Spouses have legal rights to each other’s assets, inheritance, and benefits. | Property and inheritance rights may depend on cultural customs and agreements. |
| Symbolism and Celebration | Simple and formal, lacking traditional celebrations. | Often a grand celebration with feasting, dancing, and social recognition. |
| Recognition in Other Countries | Recognized internationally, making it easier for migration and visa applications. | May not be recognized in other countries unless legally registered. |
Which One is Better?
- Court Marriage is better for legal security, ease of documentation, and international recognition.
- Traditional Marriage is ideal for cultural, religious, and social approval.
- Best Option: Many couples choose to do both, starting with traditional marriage for family approval and then registering it legally through court marriage for official recognition.
