About JPs by State: Connecticut JPs | Florida Notaries | Maine Notaries | Massachusetts JPs | New Hampshire JPs | Vermont JPs A Brief History of JPs Along with their meager possessions, the early English settlers brought to the new world a well-developed set of ideas about laws and justice. And though they sought freedom from an oppressive monarchy, they kept one of the king’s institutions: the Justice of the Peace. In the American colonies, every state had a Justice of the Peace system at one time or another, although specific duties varied from state to state, and still do. Since they […]
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Governor Baker Signs Child Marriage Bill
It is official, and the Justice of the Peace Association is deeply honored to witness the momentous and long-overdue occasion. On September 9, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker ceremoniously signed the bill that ended child marriage in the state of Massachusetts. After the private bill signing, speeches and celebration followed on the interior steps of the State House. It was an exciting day recognizing all of the hard work that went into protecting the state’s children from the human rights abuse of child marriage. Photos JPus managing member Loretta Jay with Representative Kay Khan. Rep Khan and Senator Harriet Chandler led […]
Zoom – Favorite Traditions
On June 16, 2021, members of the Justice of the Peace Association took advantage of the opportunity to talk with each other and exchange points of view. Discussion Included Some ceremonies that were discussed included the traditional ring ceremony. And candle and wine box ceremonies. Members related enjoying processes that engage the couple. Sand ceremonies were a fav, especially if children are involved since it gives them a way to be included. How much time officiants spend creating a ceremony. (JPus polled members on Facebook in 2019 and 69% spent three or more hours for a simple, in-town wedding.) Incorporating extra […]
Southern Florida Region
Florida’s Southern Region is the home of the Gold Coast, from Miami’s South Beach to the Everglades and Keys. Whether boutiquey hotels and night clubs are your thing, or getting back to mother earth along the coast and nature preserves. Destination weddings venues and hidden gems for the locals, the area has venues for all budgets. Unsure what is the right place for you? Let your notary know what you are looking for, and he or she will likely have suggestions. Find a Wedding Officiant in Florida’s Southern Region Homestead Key-West Miami Some Favorite Venues A low-key spot in the […]
Justice of the Peace embosser
Give your marriage documents an official seal, or use this embosser when taking an acknowledgement. This pocket seal is light-weight and versatile yet rugged, engineered to produce higher pressure with minimal effort. It is designed for travel. The 2″ die is personalized with your Name, Town and State around the circumference and “Justice of the Peace” in the center.
MA Legislation Poll
Exciting news! Massachusetts Senator Anne Gobi is taking the lead and resubmitting the Resolve to Evaluate the One-Day Solemnizer Rule. This is a hard-fought-for piece of legislation based on the white paper that JPus submitted to Governor Baker. Senator Julian Cyr sponsored the bill during the 2019-2020 session, and Senator Gobi graciously agreed to take over the helm. Answer the Poll – MA JPs only Previously, Senator Gobi sponsored other legislation on behalf of the state’s JPs. She needs to see support from membership to know if she should continue these efforts. Support means, in addition to responding to this […]
I Love Small Weddings
I’ve married people in all sorts of places – from town halls to “posh” venues. Yet so often the weddings that move me deeply are the small, unassuming affairs. They are the kinds of weddings that I think about again and again, over a cup of coffee the next morning or the next year. These lovely little weddings occur in the corner of someone’s living room in front of a china cabinet or in a back yard under a blossoming apple tree. The bride is always beautiful in a freshly ironed dress. The groom is always handsome in a freshly […]
MA bill increases compensation
JPus supports Massachusetts Senator Sal DiDomenico’s bill to increase the fees that a JP may charge to officiate a wedding. Last week, on behalf of our MA members, JPus submitted a statement to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight asking for a vote in favor. Read statement here.
NH Special Marriage Officiant
The NH House of Representatives Judiciary Committee is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 about pending legislation to temporarily authorize individuals to solemnize a marriage in the state. Massachusetts has had problematic results with their One-Day rule. JPus is mobilizing stakeholders to submit testimony. Read more.
Win-Win Solutions on 1-Day Rule
Today the Justice of the Peace Association presented to Governor Charlie Baker’s office a white paper outlining win-win solutions to the problems associated with Massachusetts’ One-Day Solemnizer rule. Read the white paper here.
MA Networking to be rescheduled
Unfortunately we have had to reschedule the networking event that was scheduled to take place in Waltham, Massachusetts. Stay tuned for new day and time. Our Connecticut networking event is still on for December 19th in Newington.
JP Appointment Process White Paper
In response to many complaints from Connecticut JPs and Town Clerks, in 2022 the Justice of the Peace Association researched how civil marriage officiants are appointed in the state. Given that, the following white paper summarizes our findings and legislative recommendations. Related Links On March 10, 2023, JPus testified to the Connecticut Planning and Development Committee. 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
MA End Child Marriage – June 2022 Letter
On June 9, 2022, the Massachusetts Coalition to End Child Marriage submitted the following letter to the state legislature’s FY 2023 Budget Conference Committee. JPus is a member of the Coalition and signed onto the letter. Related Links See email from MA Representative Kay Khan thanking the state Coalition members Take JPus’ training for marriage officiants about child and forced marriage. Read about JPus’ efforts to end child marriage in all of the states we serve. JPus managing member’s LinkedIn article and interview about child marriage Learn about JPus members’ vote to join the Coalition to End Child Marriage. Our partners in the fight against child marriage are Unchained at […]
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