August 12, 2019 South Burlington, VT. New opportunity for civic-minded, people-oriented Vermonters to get involved. The Justice of the Peace Association and the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association (VMCTA) are teaming up to engage residents to become justices of the peace. JPs, as they are informally called, are entrusted to help with elections, hear tax appeals and officiate weddings. How to become a Justice of the Peace? Candidates for JP’s are solicited by the political parties in their town during their bi-annual caucuses in July (next one is in 2020) and those names are placed on the ballot in November and the winners fulfil two-year terms. However, when a vacancy is created mid-term the political party forwards names to the Governor who will make then appointment– and right now there are vacancies in the state. If you are interested in being a Justice of the Peace, please contact your ...
Changes to 1-Day Solemnizer Rule Recommended FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2019, Fairfield, CT. Significant problems with the state’s one-day solemnizer rule were identified by the Justice of the Peace Association in a white paper submitted to Governor Charlie Baker’s office last week. The Governor appoints Justices of the Peace to perform marriages and process the paperwork required to make the relationship legal. The one-day solemnizer rule allows friends and family to officiate, oftentimes with troublesome results. Most people think when the officiant says “I now pronounce you…” is the most important part of the marriage. But in reality, witnessing the couple’s affirmation and accurately and timely processing the legal paperwork is what governments rely upon for this official act. Marriage is a legally binding relationship with significant implications. Health insurance, immigration and citizenship, taxes and home ownership, parenthood, retirement and inheritance may all be contingent upon it. Loretta Jay, ...
Changes to 1-Day Solemnizer Rule Recommended FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2019, Fairfield, CT. Significant problems with the state’s one-day solemnizer rule were identified by the Justice of the Peace Association in a white paper submitted to Governor Charlie Baker’s office last week. The Governor appoints Justices of the Peace to perform marriages and process the paperwork required to make the relationship legal. The one-day solemnizer rule allows friends and family to officiate, oftentimes with troublesome results. Most people think when the officiant says “I now pronounce you...” is the most important part of the marriage. But in reality, witnessing the couple’s affirmation and accurately and timely processing the legal paperwork is what governments rely upon for this official act. Marriage is a legally binding relationship with significant implications. Health insurance, immigration and citizenship, taxes and home ownership, parenthood, retirement and inheritance may all be contingent upon it. Loretta Jay, ...
Temporary marriage officiants - Judiciary hearing on Wednesday FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2019, Fairfield, CT. The New Hampshire House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee is holding a public hearing on Wednesday to temporarily authorize anyone to solemnize a marriage in the state. New Hampshire has the benefit of learning from its neighbors to the south. Massachusetts has a lay-officiant rule that has caused significant problems. Beyond belittling professional JPs, it has doubled the workload for municipal clerks and created chaos for couples whose marriages were invalid. The Justice of the Peace Association submitted a white paper to MA Governor Charlie Baker’s office last week addressing the significant problems with its One-Day Solemnizer designation. The Governor appoints Justices of the Peace to perform marriages and process the legal documentation, along with oaths, depositions and other duties requiring an impartial witness. The pending bill, An Act establishing a special marriage officiant license ...
Local Organization Joins National Coalition to End Child Marriage in the United States December 14, 2018, Fairfield, CT. The Fairfield-based Justice of the Peace Association (JPus) joined the national Coalition to End Child Marriage in the United States, which launched this week in recognition of Human Rights Day. In October 2018 JPus’ membership voted overwhelmingly by 95% to join the coalition. The Coalition to End Child Marriage brings together organizations and individuals working to end all marriages of children younger than 18 in the United States. Child marriage, which happens legally in 48 states including Connecticut, destroys girls’ health, education and economic opportunities, and increases their risk of experiencing violence. It is at odds with the JPus Code of Ethics that requires officiants to act in the best interest of their clients. JPus members voiced opposition to child marriages, saying they would not feel comfortable performing them and would refuse to do so. “Our responsibility ...
