Search Results for "FL-Florida/town/southern/Fort-Myers"

JP Appointments

      It is frustrating that the same political maneuvering that led to our research on Connecticut’s appointment process is what ultimately killed the bill to raise the qualifications of marriage officiants in Connecticut. Nonetheless, we’re making progress. We had tons of participation on our Zoom Q&A presentation in March. Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas was persuaded by our white paper, and she proposed the initial legislation to create a working group to evaluate JP Appointments in Connecticut. Now an ally, we are working together along with some legislators to reintroduce a bill in 2024. 2024 Legislation We are working with the Secretary […]

COVID Advocacy in Massachusetts

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 […]

Summer Weddings

The blissful warmth of summer sets the perfect stage for outdoor wedding ceremonies, where love and nature unite in harmonious celebration. With its vibrant colors, gentle breezes, and abundant sunshine, the summer season offers an idyllic backdrop for couples to exchange vows and embark on a lifelong journey together. Summer outdoor weddings continue to captivate hearts. Beautiful Settings One of the most enchanting aspects of a summer outdoor wedding ceremony is the natural beauty that surrounds the venue. Lush gardens, blooming flowers, and breathtaking landscapes create an unparalleled atmosphere. Imagine saying “I do” beneath a cascading arch of vibrant blooms […]

MA Legislative Poll 2021

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 […]

Weddings are Like an Iceberg

Planning a wedding can be complicated. Lots of moving parts that need to fit together just right. When it goes well – beautiful! It looks easy-peasy. No one is the wiser to all the muss and fuss that went into getting the details just right. That is because all the work is hidden, like an iceberg! The work of a marriage officiant is like that, too. Marriage Officiants When officiants perform a marriage, all that most people see is the short ceremony culminating with pronouncements. Similar to other presentations, a lot of work goes into making it perfect. Loved ones […]

Stamford Advocate: 3/6/2020

When the Stamford Advocate ran a story about the Census Bureau’s announcement that the marriage rate in Connecticut is the lowest in the country, JPus managing member Loretta Jay supposed a reason for the decline. To the Editor: The recent story, Marriage rates in Connecticut lowest in US (Feb 25, 2020) makes me wonder. Is this a reflection of society’s willingness to treat the legal act of marrying so flippantly? Online officiants became a thing in 2001, after Joey on Friends got ordained to officiate Monica and Chandler’s wedding. Oddly, they became a trend. Even though Joey’s performance was filled […]

Press Release: 1/13/2019

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 […]

New Haven Register: 9/25/2005

Officials brace for rush of same-sex unions Associated Press. Published 12:00 am EDT, Sunday, September 25, 2005 MIDDLETOWN — As a new law allowing same-sex civil unions takes effect next week, justices of the peace, clergy and town clerks are entering uncharted waters. “On Oct. 1, civil unions become law in Connecticut, but there is not a JP in that room who knows what to do with it,” said Saul Haffner, president of Justices of the Peace of Connecticut, which held a conference Saturday to answer questions about civil unions. “It’s going to be a mess.” Connecticut is the first state to pass […]

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