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 […]
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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 […]
Registration Open – JPus Conference 2021
The Justice of the Peace Association is celebrating 20 years with our first virtual conference. This event will bring together keynote speakers, presentations and workshops in an informative and engaging format. We’re striving for a creative environment where civil officiants can re-imagine weddings, learn new skills, and nurture relationships with others through networking opportunities. Tickets Get your conference tickets here and take advantage of our early-bird pricing. This conference is for professional marriage officiants and Town Clerks. Early-bird registration is open until February 15th at 5:00 pm. At that time full-price registration and ticket sales will open until March 12, 2021 at […]
JPs By State
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 […]
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 […]
Find JP by State
Justice of the Peace, Notaries, and Wedding Officiants Listing on findaJP.com for: ★ Connecticut ★ Florida ★ Maine ★ Massachusetts ★ New Hampshire ★ Vermont
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 […]
Gender Neutral Terms
All of the New England states that JPus is active in use gender-neutral terms on marriage licenses. However, this wasn’t always the case. The History We were pleased to learn that in 2019 Maine started using gender-neutral terms when referring to marriage or familial relationships. This prompted JPus to conduct a quick survey of the other states that we serve, asking what terminology was used. Vermont and New Hampshire allow couples to check a box indicating bride/groom/spouse, and only the term checked is on the license. Massachusetts uses gender neutral terms: Party A and Party B. At the time, Connecticut’s […]
1-Day Solemnizer – Calls Needed
Massachusetts Call to Action A hearing on the Resolve to establish a Commission to evaluate the 1-Day Solemnizer rule will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2021. Calls are needed to Committee Chairs to vote S.2063 favorably out of Committee. Details, including Committee Chairs’ phone numbers and a simple script are available on our Action Alert page. Related Links Problems with the 1-Day Rule: read a summary JPus submitted a white paper to Governor Charlie Baker’s office: see it here How-to tips on contacting your legislators, including links to find yours Read the Resolve to create a commission study to evaluate the One-Day Solemnizer rule One-Day […]
One-Day Rule White Paper
Legislative Recommendations for Win-Win Solutions In response to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s office’s request, JPus submitted a white paper about one day solemnizers with legislative recommendations. Read about the problems with the state’s One-Day Designation and how JPus’ is advocating for change here. Get involved. Let your legislators know that this issue is important to you. See the most recent Advocacy Alert with details about what is needed. Unsure about contacting legislators? How-to info here. Read the white paper below: