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The Completion of Marriage form serves as an important document for couples preparing to tie the knot, especially in Georgia. This form shows that the couple has successfully completed a premarital education course. The course must consist of at least six hours of instruction, focused on essential marriage topics like communication skills, managing conflicts, financial responsibilities, and understanding family dynamics. It’s crucial for the couple to engage in this education together, as it lays a foundation for their upcoming marriage. The form also requires certification from a qualified individual, which can include licensed counselors, social workers, marriage therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or clergy members. This certification confirms that a recognized professional has conducted the premarital education and attests to the couple’s participation. Once filled out, the form must be signed in front of a notary public, adding an extra layer of authenticity. Couples will need to present this completed form when they apply for their marriage license, making it an essential step in the wedding preparation process.

Form Sample

CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF QUALIFYING PREMARTIAL

EDUCATION

This will certify that ________________________________________ and

(Groom’s Name)

_________________________________________________ have completed a course of

(Bride’s Name)

premarital education conducted by the undersigned on

____________________________________________________________ and that

(List ALL dates)

course qualifies under Section 19-3-30.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated in that it included at least six hours of instruction involving martial issues (which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, and extended family roles) and the couple underwent the course together.

I further certify that I am

_____ A professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family

therapist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 10A of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated;

_____ A psychiatrist who is licensed as a physician pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the

Official Code of Georgia.

_____ A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 39 of Title 43 of the Official Code of

Georgia Annotated.

_____ An active member of the clergy who:

_____ performed such education in the course of my service as clergy; OR

_____ designated ____________________ to perform such education, and I certify that my

designee is trained and skilled in premarital education, and has certified to me the completion of the course by the couple.

Sworn to and certified before me

___________________________________

on ___________________, 20___.

Signature

___________________________

___________________________________

Notary Public

Printed Name

 

___________________________________

 

Address

 

___________________________________

 

City, State, ZIP

(This form is to be completed by the pastor/counselor who performed the premarital education. The pastor/counselor must sign this form in the presence of a notary public. The couple should present the completed form when applying for the marriage license.)

Document Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose of the Form This form certifies the completion of a qualifying premarital education course by the couple.
Governing Law The form is governed by Section 19-3-30.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Instruction Hours A minimum of six hours of instruction on marital issues is required for the course to qualify.
Eligible Instructors Licensed counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and clergy can conduct the education.
Notary Requirement The form must be signed by the instructor in the presence of a notary public for validation.
Completing the Form This form is filled out by the pastor or counselor who provided the premarital education.
Submission of the Form Couples should present the completed form when applying for their marriage license.

Steps to Filling Out Completion Of Marriage

Upon completing the required premarital education, the next steps include accurately filling out the Completion Of Marriage form. This form must be completed by the individual or entity that conducted the premarital education session. After filling out the form, the signatory must have it notarized before it is submitted for a marriage license.

  1. Open the Completion Of Marriage form.
  2. Fill in the Groom's Name in the space provided.
  3. Fill in the Bride's Name in the designated section.
  4. Provide the dates of the premarital education course in the area labeled "List ALL dates".
  5. Confirm that the course qualifies under Section 19-3-30.1 by including details about the topics covered, like conflict management, communication skills, and financial responsibilities.
  6. Select the applicable qualification from the list of options (professional counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or clergy member). Indicate your licensing information if you are a professional.
  7. If applicable, designate another individual who performed the education on behalf of a clergy member by filling in their name in the provided spot.
  8. Sign the form in the appropriate field where it indicates "Signature".
  9. Find a notary public to witness and notarize your signature, if required.
  10. Write the date of notarization in the space provided.
  11. Complete your printed name and address in the sections designated for the notary public's use.
  12. Ensure all information is accurate and legible before submitting.

More About Completion Of Marriage

What is the Completion of Marriage form?

The Completion of Marriage form serves as a certification that a couple has successfully completed a premarital education course. This document is crucial as it verifies to the state that the couple participated in relevant instruction related to marriage, such as communication skills and conflict management. This certification may be needed when applying for a marriage license, ensuring that couples are prepared for the challenges of married life.

Who must complete the Completion of Marriage form?

The form must be completed by the person who conducted the premarital education course. This could be a licensed professional counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or an active member of the clergy. Each of these professionals must certify that the couple has completed their course together and that it meets the state requirements.

What qualifications must the course instructor have?

The instructor of the premarital education course must hold a valid license in their respective field, whether that be counseling, social work, psychology, or medicine. Alternatively, if the instructor is a member of the clergy, they must either provide the education themselves or designate someone who is trained to do so. This ensures that the education provided is of high quality and relevant to preparing for marriage.

How long must the premarital education course be?

The course must include a minimum of six hours of instruction covering various marital issues. These topics can include communication skills, conflict management, financial responsibilities, and the roles of extended family. This breadth of content helps couples prepare for different aspects of their relationship.

What should the couple do with the completed form?

Once the form is completed and signed by the instructor in the presence of a notary public, the couple should present it when applying for their marriage license. This documentation is often required by state officials to verify that the couple has fulfilled the premarital education requirement.

Does the form need to be notarized?

Yes, the Completion of Marriage form must be notarized. The presence of a notary public adds an official layer of credibility to the document, ensuring that the signatures are legitimate and the information is accurate. This step is essential in legal contexts, especially when dealing with marriage licenses.

What if the couple does not complete the premarital education course?

If the couple does not complete the required premarital education course, they may be ineligible to obtain a marriage license in certain jurisdictions. State requirements can vary, so it is important for couples to check their local regulations beforehand.

Can the premarital education course be conducted online?

Yes, many programs offer online premarital education courses. However, it's crucial to ensure that these courses meet the state’s standards. Couples should verify that the course provides at least six hours of content and covers the required topics before enrolling.

What happens if the couple has completed the course but the instructor does not complete the form?

Without the Completion of Marriage form properly filled out and signed by the instructor, the couple may face delays or issues acquiring their marriage license. It’s important for couples to follow up with their instructor to ensure that this certification is completed in a timely manner.

Where can couples find approved premarital education courses?

Couples can look for approved premarital education courses through local counseling centers, community organizations, or religious institutions. Many states also provide online resources, making it easier for couples to find suitable programs that fulfill the certification requirements.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Names: Failing to provide full names for both the groom and bride can lead to issues. Be sure to include any middle names if applicable to ensure accuracy.

  2. Missing Dates: Leaving out the date(s) of the completed premarital education course is a common mistake. It is essential to list all relevant dates directly on the form.

  3. Incorrect Certification by the Counselor: The person filling out the certification must be a licensed professional. Omitting their specific qualifications can result in invalidation of the form.

  4. Neglecting Notary Requirements: The signature of the notary public is fundamental for credibility. Ensure the certifier is aware that they must sign in the presence of a notary.

  5. Omission of Designee Information: If education was delegated to a designee, failing to mention their name and qualifications is a mistake. This information must be accurately documented to validate the form.

  6. Providing Inaccurate Course Details: The form requires a description of the course content. Omitting or misrepresenting the topics covered can lead to questions about the course's validity.

  7. Not Reviewing the Entire Form: It’s easy to overlook small errors. Reviewing the completed form for any typos or missing information before submission can help avoid unnecessary complications.

Documents used along the form

When couples prepare to get married, several important documents are often required beyond the Completion of Marriage form. These forms help ensure that all necessary legal and educational prerequisites are met. Below is a list of related documents commonly used in conjunction with the marriage process.

  • Marriage License Application: This form is submitted to the appropriate government office to legally apply for a marriage license. It typically requires personal information from both partners, such as names, addresses, and identification.
  • Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry: This document affirms that each individual is legally eligible to marry. It may involve confirming marital status, age, and family relations.
  • Premarital Education Certificate: This certificate is proof that the couple has completed a designated educational course on marital issues, which may cover topics like communication and conflict resolution.
  • Notice of Intended Marriage: Some states require this document to be filed prior to the wedding. It notifies authorities of the couple's intention to marry, often including personal details.
  • Divorce Decree (if applicable): If either party has been previously married, they may need to provide a copy of their finalized divorce decree, certifying that their prior marriage has ended legally.
  • Consent Forms (if applicable): For individuals under the legal age to marry, parental or guardian consent forms may be required to authorize the marriage.
  • Identity Verification Documents: Couples often need to present official identification, such as driver’s licenses or passports, to verify their identity and age when applying for a marriage license.

Gathering these documents ahead of time can simplify the marriage process and ensure compliance with state regulations. Being well-prepared helps couples focus on what truly matters—starting their life together.

Similar forms

The Completion of Marriage form is quite similar to the Health Certificate required for marriage in some states. Much like the Completion of Marriage form, a Health Certificate validates essential information regarding the couple's health status, including screenings for diseases. The aim of both documents is to ensure that couples are adequately prepared for marriage, not just emotionally but also physically. Each reflects a commitment to fostering a healthy relationship, whether through emotional education or health assessments.

Another document that aligns with the Completion of Marriage form is the Affidavit of Support. This form is often needed when one partner is applying for a visa or residency. Like the Completion of Marriage form, it requires the signatures of an authorized individual who guarantees that the couple meets certain qualifications. Both documents serve a protective function by ensuring that the couple, and potentially society at large, is supported in their commitment. Additionally, they both must be filed with official agencies to carry legal weight.

The Certificate of Divorce Decree also shares similarities with the Completion of Marriage form. While it pertains to the end of a marriage rather than its beginning, both documents confirm important legal statuses tied to relationship milestones. Each form must be completed and filed to reflect the transition in the couple's relationship status, ensuring that all legal obligations are understood and adhered to. They serve as formal acknowledgments, whether stating that a marriage license is granted or that a divorce has been finalized.

Finally, the Consent to Marry is another document that mirrors the Completion of Marriage form. Typically used when one party is underage, this form requires parental or guardian consent for the marriage to take place. Both documents encapsulate necessary approvals for a marriage, ensuring that all parties involved recognize the significance and implications of the commitment being made. They reflect a societal understanding that marriage is not just a personal matter but one that can have broader social and legal ramifications.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Completion of Marriage form, attention to detail is crucial. The following list provides some recommendations to ensure the process goes smoothly.

  • Do: Carefully read all instructions before starting the form.
  • Do: Provide accurate names for both the bride and groom.
  • Do: Record all relevant dates of your premarital education course.
  • Do: Ensure that at least six hours of instruction on marital issues were completed.
  • Do: Choose the correct designation for the person certifying the completion.
  • Don’t: Leave any fields blank or incomplete.
  • Don’t: Forget to sign the form in front of a notary public.
  • Don’t: Provide false information regarding the course length or content.
  • Don’t: Attempt to submit the form without the required notary signature.
  • Don’t: Hurry through the process; take your time to ensure everything is correct.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Completion Of Marriage form can create confusion for couples preparing for their wedding. Here are nine common misunderstandings explained clearly:

  1. The form is only necessary for certain couples. Many people think that the Completion Of Marriage form is optional or only required for specific couples. In fact, this certification is necessary for all couples who wish to obtain a marriage license after completing premarital education.
  2. Any counselor can sign the form. It’s a common misconception that any professional can complete this form. Only licensed professionals, such as counselors, psychologists, or clergy, are allowed to certify the completion of premarital education.
  3. Online premarital courses are not valid. Some couples believe that only in-person courses count for the form. However, valid online premarital education programs can also fulfill the requirements, provided they are conducted by accredited professionals.
  4. The form is only for religious ceremonies. Many assume that the form is only applicable to couples planning a traditional religious wedding. In reality, this form is required for any couple looking to marry, regardless of the nature of their ceremony.
  5. You only need to fill out the form if you are already engaged. Couples often think the form is unnecessary until they have a confirmed wedding date. This is not true; it is better to complete the form before applying for a marriage license.
  6. Completing the form guarantees a marriage license. While the Completion Of Marriage form is an essential step, it doesn't automatically guarantee that a marriage license will be issued. Couples must still meet all other licensing requirements in their state.
  7. Notaries public can certify the premarital education. Some individuals assume that any notary can sign the form without understanding. Notaries public validate the signature of the certified professional but cannot certify the education themselves.
  8. The six-hour instruction requirement is flexible. Many believe that the six-hour requirement for premarital education is adjustable. In fact, the law clearly states that at least six hours of instruction must be completed to qualify.
  9. It’s possible to submit an incomplete form. Lastly, couples sometimes think they can submit the form without all required details. The form must be fully completed and signed by the appropriate licensed professional to be valid.

Understanding these misconceptions can help couples navigate the process of obtaining their marriage license more efficiently.

Key takeaways

The Completion Of Marriage form, specifically the Certification of Completion of Qualifying Premarital Education, is an important document for couples preparing for marriage in Georgia. Here are some key takeaways regarding this form:

  • The form certifies that both partners have completed a premarital education course together.
  • At least six hours of instruction on marital issues must be included in the course.
  • Qualified topics can include conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, and extended family roles.
  • Only licensed professionals, such as counselors or clergy, may complete this certification.
  • The form must be signed by the individual who conducted the premarital education.
  • A notary public must witness and sign the form, confirming its authenticity.
  • The completed form should be presented when applying for the marriage license.