Miscellaneous

Be My Court Valentine

By Anne Skove, Esq.

Every year on Valentine's Day zillions (that's an unscientific estimate) of couples line up in probate courts around the country to get hitched. Here are a few stories:

• Saying 'I Do:' Couples Marry, Renew Vows at Courthouse, Carole Townsend, Gwinnett Daily Post (February 14, 2011). This item includes memories of recycled flowers.


• When is it OK to wear a tiara to court? See: Valentines Courted, Then Said 'I Do" before Judge, Kevin Joy, Columbus Dispatch (February 15, 2011).


• Meet Harrison County's Love Judge! Subpoena from Love Judge: Mass Wedding Held at Courthouse, Susan Sullivan, WBOY (February 15, 2011).

Some families celebrated a different kind of love. See Hearts Overflow as 11 Duval Families Adopt on Valentine's Day, Justin Sacharoff, Florida Times-Union (February 15, 2011).

Still others used the day to advocate for marriage equality. See Gay Love, Equality Examined in Nationwide Valentine's Day Campaign, Devin Dwyer, ABC News (February 14, 2011).

Courthouses are the center of legal family life. Feel-good ceremonies such as weddings and adoptions connect people's lives with the courts. Plus, seeing bedecked bridesmaids wandering the hallways makes us smile.

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on February 15, 2011 (boomark / email).