Predatory Marriage 7 Minute Briefing
Predatory Marriage 7 Minute Briefing
Predatory Marriage 7 Minute Briefing
1. Introduction 2. Legislation
Predatory Marriage is the practice of In UK law, marriage and civil partnerships rely on consent. The Marriage Act 1989 requires
intentionally targeting and marrying a that two adult parties agree to a marriage, it is implicit that they understand and agree to
vulnerable (often older) person in order marry by giving informed consent which is dependent on capacity to make decisions as
to gain access to their estate and assets determined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
upon their death. Predatory Marriage The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 created the criminal offence of
relies on grooming and coercion to exert forced marriage. It is a criminal offence to marry a person who lacks the mental capacity
control over another person to persuade to consent to the marriage, regardless of any pressure. It is also a crime to pressure
them to marry for financial, material or someone to marry by any means.
other gain.