CT JP Appointments ~ Q&A
We’ve heard the complaints from JPs and Town Clerks about Connecticut’s JP appointment process and the lack of JP qualifications. As a result, last year the Justice of the Peace Association took action and performed extensive research. And then, last month we released our white paper with our findings.Q&A, March 30th at 6:00 PM
The March 30, 2023 Q&A event has already taken place.
As a result of JPus’ efforts there has been lots of activity! Meetings with the Secretary of State and State legislators, testimony before a legislative committee and more. Read more.
Related Links
- Read JPus’ white paper, Civil Marriage Officiants in Connecticut: Solutions to Unburden the JP Appointment Process
- Details about these efforts and how we advocate for change
- See JPus’s survey results about officiant qualifications and appointments
- See how JPus is advocating to address the problems with amateur officiants
- Learn about the JP and notary role, state-by-state
- We advocate on other marriage-related issues
Child Marriage Press Conference in CT
JPus was honored when Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz invited its managing member to speak at her press conference imploring the end of child marriage in Connecticut. On March 13, 2023, Loretta Jay joined child marriage survivors, other advocates, State Legislators, the DCF Commissioner and the Lt. Governor to urge the passage of HB6569.
Related Links
- Legislative activity in Connecticut to end child marriage, including JPus’ testimony to legislators.
- Information and a link to view JPus’ panel discussion about child marriage in Connecticut.
- Landing page for JPus activity involving child marriage in all of our states.
- Education and training for officiants about child and forced marriage
- How membership voted to join the Coalition to End Child Marriage.
Survey: Friends and Family
One of the nice things about being a part of a professional membership association is the connectedness with fellow JPs and notaries. We share stories. We hear about the good – and the not-so-good. We learn and we grow and we benefit. One such story is the officiant who performs a ceremony for their family member. As an example, perhaps you’ve noticed the photo to the right, which is also on this website’s homepage slider. This is our co-founder, Saul Haffner, officiating at his granddaughter Abby’s wedding to Mike. This opportunity gave Saul so much joy, and Abby treasures the memory.
When Saul did Abby’s wedding, he was already a pro. Alternatively, sometimes the officiant is a newbie. They are either so overcome with the love that they get hooked and continue performing weddings for others. Or, was it a once-was-enough, been there, done that?
Take the Survey
We’d like to quantify these subjective stories. Whether or not you’ve performed a wedding for a friend or family member, please complete our survey.
VT Action Alert – Child Marriage
CALL TO ACTION in VERMONT
End Child Marriage
Ask the YOUR REPRESENTATIVE to Vote YES on H 148
Your steps
- Call or e-mail YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
- Let the know who you are and where you live and what you do
- Ask them to vote YES on H 148 – Raising the Age of Marriage to 18
Talking Points
- As a professional marriage officiant or town clerk, you are faced with the ethical dilemma: performing a ceremony that you know is not in the best interest of the minor child or violating the law by refusing.
- This is about legal rights, NOT about maturity.
- A child cannot retain an attorney, access domestic violence shelters, or sign a lease on a rental. If married, child protective services cannot protect them.
- We do not want Vermont to become the destination marriage state in the Northeast for child traffickers to further their control over their victims.
Related Links
- See JPus’ advocacy and legislative activity about child marriage in Vermont
- Watch the workshop about child marriage in Vermont, recorded on January 25, 2023
NH Bill to End Child Marriage
On January 22, 2023, the Justice of the Peace Association submitted testimony to New Hampshire’s Children and Family Law Committee in support of HB34. The legislation would change the minimum age to marry in the state to 18 – no exceptions. Read JPus’ testimony.
Related Links
- Information about our advocacy and partnerships for officiants about child and forced marriage.
- JPus has been on the forefront of legislative activity to end child marriage in other states
- Follow our state-by-state changes to marriage laws
- How membership voted to join the Coalition to End Child Marriage
- Education and training for officiants about child and forced marriage