Family Law

MEMORANDUM

TO

FROM

DATE

RE : QUESTIONING THE LEGALITY OF CHANDLER AND MONICA 'S MARRIAGE

Question Presented

Is Monica entitled to the 20 million won by Chandler in a lottery after the latter 's death when their marriage was solemnized by an officer whose credentials of license or ordination were not d to the court administrator before the marriage

Brief Answer

No . Monica is not a lawful wife of Chandler since the marriage is void from the beginning . A marriage to be lawful shall be solemnized , among others

, by a licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination and shall their credential to the court administrator of the district court of the county of Minnesota . Joey who solemnized the marriage did not qualify the requirements of an authorized solemnizing officer

Statement of Facts

The parents of Chandler are questioning whether Monica is lawfully married to Chandler . Chandler and Monica were engaged to be married Joey , a mutual friend of the two , offered to officiate the marriage Joey was ordained as a minister by a non- denominational church by filling up a form on the Internet and received a certificate through mail . Joey did not a copy of his credential of license or ordination with the court administrator

On June 1 , 2005 , the marriage was formalized . On June 15 , 2005 , Chandler won 20 million in a lottery . On July 1 , 2005 , Chandler died in an automobile accident . In settling Chandler 's estate , Monica and Chandler 's parent cannot settle on who has the right over the 20 million because Chandler 's parents are contesting the legality of their marriage

Discussion

It is erroneous to award the 20 million to Monica because she is not a lawful wife of Chandler as mandated by law

A marriage to be lawful shall be solemnized by one authorized . Chapter 517 sec . 01 Minnesota Statutes . It is provided in Chapter 517 sec . 04 of the Minnesota Statute that marriage may be solemnized throughout the state . by a licensed or ordained minister . Further , the parties shall declare their marriage in the presence of the person authorized to solemnize marriages . Chapter 517 sec . 09 Minnesota Statutes

Joey may be ordained as a minister however he failed to comply with the requirement of the law . Ministers of any religious denomination , before they are authorized to solemnize a marriage , shall a copy of their credentials of license or ordination with the court administrator of the district court of the county of this state . Charter 517 sec . 05 Minnesota Statutes . Joey , having failed to comply with the requirement of the law , at the time he solemnized the wedding , was not an authorized officer as mandated by the statute

The lack of authority of Joey made the marriage of Chandler and Monica void . Thus , the 20 million should be awarded to the parents of Chandler...