Updated August 10, 2020 States and municipalities are reeling, trying to establish systems for what used to be routine business of government. Included in the mix is the processing of legal marriages. In Massachusetts, there has been a lack of direction or guidance – for JPs, clerks and couples. Many marriages have already been planned and need to be postponed. Other times, marriages are essential (health benefits, immigration issues, emotional duress), and need to proceed. There needs to be a plan to address both circumstances. Responsible, professional JPs have been role models. They completed COVID training certification for marriage officiants, and […]

the When legal or social issues affect our membership’s marriage-related duties, JPus gets involved. JPus represents membership, advocating on their behalf: Supporting legislation, engaging the media, training officiants Are there policies or legislation brewing in your community that affect justices of the peace? Let JPus know – we’re here to support you! At the Justice of the Peace Association, we work for the change we want to see. We are an inclusive organization that believes in the equality of all people. Our activities reflect our core values. Amateur Marriage Officiants Lay-officiants give professional JPs a bad name. This includes state-sanctioned […]

We are thrilled that Senator Anne Gobi is taking the lead and resubmitting the Resolve to Evaluate the One-Day Solemnizer Rule. In addition, she is also submitting two Bills that support JPs. Before doing this, she asked Massachusetts JPus members to weigh in. These are the poll results. 100% of the Massachusetts JPs who responded to our poll would like to have the fees they may charge increased.   93% of the JPs who responded to our poll would like the application fees for 1-Day Solemnizers increased.   Comments provided by survey respondents, edited for clarity & length Thank you […]

Updated November 19, 2020 Stay home orders are changing, depending on the coronavirus’ community spread. Governors are redefining guidelines and policies for group gatherings in each state. To help keep track of what the rules are, we are listing them, organized by state, here. We also have a member support article about operations in each state’s municipal offices, and what to do if the clerk’s office is closed. Please remember, safety is paramount. Social distancing rules continue. When conducting marriages, officiants are working and therefore must wear a face covering. See our 8 Things to Do article on performing marriages […]

Always looking to build relationships between officiants, or strengthen collaboration with our partners, networking is an important aspect of JPus. Networking Between Officiants Providing opportunities for JPs, notaries and other officiants to get to know each other promotes growth – and learning! Naturally, this helps our members do better ceremonies. Therefore, when we are able we hold networking social events at various locations. Since COVID, we Zoom! These gatherings provide opportunities for personal and more intimate conversations. See our Zoom schedule and recordings of previous sessions. In-Person Before the pandemic, we got together in-person. We hope to resume these events […]