What Changed in Marriage Laws 2026? Every Major Rule Change You Must Know

If you are planning a wedding or a legal split in 2026, the rules are not what they used to be. While there isn’t one single “federal marriage law” that rewrote the books for every state, a wave of major state-level statutes and significant federal tax updates took effect on January 1, 2026.

From California’s brand-new “Joint Petition” process to the end of minor-age marriages in several more states, the legal ground has shifted. Here is the truth about what actually changed and how it impacts your [legal rights] today.

What You Must Know: The Big Shifts in 2026

Most sites won’t tell you this, but 2026 marks the year that “marriage at 18 with no exceptions” became the dominant standard in the U.S. As of January 2026, the movement to protect minors has successfully pushed several states to remove all loopholes.

Bottom line: If you are in a state that updated its laws in late 2025, you can no longer get a marriage license if you are under 18, even if your parents say yes or a judge signs off.

Key changes for 2026 include:

• The “18, No Exceptions” Standard: Maine, Oregon, and Missouri officially ended marriage for minors in late 2025. Nebraska and Hawaii have active 2026 bills to follow suit.
• The Death of the Marriage Tax Penalty: The Make Marriage Great Again Act of 2025 is now being implemented, effectively doubling income tax brackets for married couples to match single-filer ratios.
• Permanent Digital Services: New York’s Assembly Bill A1357 (now active) has made virtual marriage licensing and video ceremonies a permanent legal fixture, no longer just a temporary pandemic measure.

What You Came to Know: 2026 State-by-State Updates

This is what most searchers are looking for. These laws went into effect or reached major milestones in January 2026.

California: The “No-Lawyer” Joint Divorce

California has officially introduced the Joint Petition for Dissolution under Senate Bill 1427. Starting January 1, 2026, couples who agree on all terms—including property and child custody—can file for divorce together. You no longer have to “serve” your spouse or act as adversaries. This is a massive win for those using [collaborative divorce] to save time and thousands in fees.

New York: Virtual Weddings Go Permanent

Under Assembly Bill A1357, New York now officially allows marriage licenses to be issued and ceremonies to be performed via audio-video technology. You must present valid ID during the video call and affirmatively represent that you are physically located within the state.

Nebraska & Hawaii: The 2026 Fight to End Child Marriage

As of late January 2026, Nebraska (LB 984) and Hawaii (HB 729) are moving to raise their minimum marriage age to 18. If you are in these states, the “age of consent” to marry is currently 17 and 15, respectively, but these laws are expected to change mid-year.

The New 2026 Federal Tax Rules

The Make Marriage Great Again Act of 2025 is a major update for 2026 tax filings.

Here is the truth: For tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, the federal government has modified tax brackets so that married individuals filing jointly pay exactly the same rate as two single individuals. This effectively removes the “marriage penalty” that previously pushed some middle-class couples into higher tax brackets simply because they were married.

Marriage License Requirements: 2026 Quick Guide

Don’t apply too early! Every state has a “perishable” window for your license.

What to Do Next: Your Action Plan

If these 2026 changes affect your [legal rights], follow these steps to stay protected:

1. Verify Your Age Law: If one party is under 18, check the latest 2026 statutes immediately. Many “parental consent” rules were deleted in late 2025.
2. Review Your Tax Bracket: If you are newly married, talk to a tax professional about the Make Marriage Great Again Act to see how your 2026 withholdings should change.
3. Use the “Joint Filing” in CA: If you are in California and your split is amicable, ask about the Joint Petition (FL-700) to avoid the cost of traditional litigation.
4. Search the Directory: Find a [divorce attorney near me] or a family law expert through the [state bar associations] if your situation involves complex 2026 rule changes.

💡 Pro Tip

In 2026, your marriage license isn’t just a certificate; it’s a legal contract. If you are getting married in New York via video call, remember that the electronic copy is now the official legal document. You don’t need a paper copy for it to be valid for [estate planning] or insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a new federal marriage law for 2026?

There is no single “National Marriage Act,” but the Make Marriage Great Again Act (Tax Law) and the Child Marriage Prevention Act (Grant Funding) have changed federal rules for millions of Americans.

Can I get a marriage license online in 2026?

Yes, in New York and Utah. Other states like New Hampshire allow online worksheets, but you must still visit the clerk in person for the final signature.

Did the marriage age change to 18 in all states?

Not yet, but as of January 2026, 16 states have banned all underage marriage. Nebraska and Hawaii are currently debating bills to join them.

What is the California SB 1427 divorce law?

It allows couples to file for divorce together as “Joint Petitioners” starting January 1, 2026, skipping the need for one spouse to be served by the other.

Official Sources & Legal Links

To see the official text of these 2026 laws, visit these government resources:

• California: Senate Bill 1427 – Joint Petition for Dissolution
• New York: Assembly Bill A1357 – Audio-Video Marriage Services
• Federal Tax: H.R. 320 – Make Marriage Great Again Act of 2025
• National Trends: Tahirih Justice Center – 2026 Child Marriage Tracker

Detailed Legal Disclaimer

This article covers marriage law 2026 updates for informational use only. Rules change fast—with many updates in January 2026. AllAboutLawyer.com does not give legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney or check official [state bar associations] or state court websites for your specific legal needs.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a former family law attorney with over a decade of courtroom and mediation experience. She has represented clients in divorce, custody cases, adoption, Alimony, and domestic violence cases across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
At All About Lawyer, Sarah now uses her deep legal background to create easy-to-understand guides that help families navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence.
Every article is based on her real-world legal experience and reviewed to reflect current laws.
Read more about Sarah