Forced marriage is a serious and sensitive matter. Ahmad & Williams Solicitors provides legal support for people affected by, or at risk of, forced marriage.
Every situation is different. Our Family Law team can listen to your concerns, discuss the legal protection that may be available and explain the appropriate next steps.
What is forced marriage?
A forced marriage is a marriage that takes place without the full and free consent of both people.
Force does not have to involve physical violence. It can include emotional or psychological pressure, threats and other forms of coercion. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]
Forced marriage is different from an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, families may be involved in introducing or selecting a potential partner, but both people remain free to accept or decline the marriage. [gov.uk]
The UK Government also states that where someone is under 18, any marriage is considered a forced marriage, even if physical or emotional pressure is not involved. [gov.uk]
Forced Marriage Protection Orders
If you are being forced into marriage, are at risk of being forced into marriage or have already been forced to marry, a Forced Marriage Protection Order may provide legal protection.
A Forced Marriage Protection Order is tailored to the individual circumstances of the person requiring protection and can impose legally binding conditions and restrictions on those involved in attempting to force the marriage. [gov.uk]
In urgent circumstances, the court can make an order so that protection is put in place immediately. [gov.uk]
Our Family Law team can discuss your circumstances and advise about applying for a Forced Marriage Protection Order where appropriate.
Forced marriage is a criminal offence
Forced marriage is illegal in England and Wales.
The law includes using violence, threats or another form of coercion to cause someone to enter a marriage without free and full consent. Different provisions apply where the person concerned lacks capacity to consent to marriage. [legislation.gov.uk]
Government guidance states that forcing someone to marry can result in a sentence of up to seven years’ imprisonment. [gov.uk]
Breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order is also a criminal offence and can result in a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment. [gov.uk], [legislation.gov.uk]
Mental capacity
A person’s ability to give free and full consent to marriage is fundamental.
The law specifically addresses circumstances involving someone who lacks the capacity to consent to marriage. [legislation.gov.uk]
If you are concerned that a person who may lack capacity is at risk of being forced into marriage, seek appropriate advice.
If you are worried about forced marriage
If you believe that you or someone you know is at risk of forced marriage, help is available.
You can contact the Government’s Forced Marriage Unit for advice and assistance. In an emergency, call 999. [gov.uk]
Ahmad & Williams Solicitors can provide legal advice about forced marriage and the protective legal options that may be available based on your individual circumstances.
A sensitive and confidential approach
We recognise that forced marriage enquiries can involve highly personal circumstances.
Our Family Law team will discuss your situation sensitively and professionally and explain the legal services available.
If you use our website enquiry form, please avoid including unnecessary confidential or sensitive information in your initial message. Further information can be provided through the appropriate process after the firm has discussed your enquiry with you.
Our Forced Marriage team
The old Ahmad & Williams website identifies Shenaz Ahmad as a solicitor with specialist forced-marriage expertise.
[CLIENT TO CONFIRM SHENAZ AHMAD’S CURRENT ROLE, TITLE AND APPROVED WORDING BEFORE THIS STATEMENT IS PUBLISHED.]
Once confirmed, I would replace the staging note with something like:
Our Family Law team includes specialist experience in matters involving forced marriage and applications for Forced Marriage Protection Orders.
If the client specifically wants Shenaz Ahmad named, we can use the approved current job title at that point.
Legal Aid and costs
Legal Aid may be available for certain forced-marriage matters depending upon the person’s circumstances and applicable eligibility requirements.
[CLIENT TO CONFIRM AHMAD & WILLIAMS’ CURRENT LEGAL AID CONTRACT AND APPROVE THE FIRM-SPECIFIC FUNDING WORDING BEFORE PUBLICATION.]
Contact Ahmad & Williams Solicitors for current information about funding and fees relating to your matter.
Speak to our Family Law team
If you are affected by, or concerned about, forced marriage, contact Ahmad & Williams Solicitors to discuss your circumstances.
Telephone: 0121 328 4282
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. The Government’s Forced Marriage Unit can also provide support to people trying to stop a forced marriage or leave a marriage they have been forced into.
Useful Links
The Government’s Forced Marriage Unit provides practical support to those at risk of being forced to marry: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage
Karma Nirvana is a charity providing practical advice and support to victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse: http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/