reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50B - Domestic Violence › § 50B-5 - Emergency assistance.

§ 50B-5. Emergency assistance.
(a) A person who alleges that he or she or a minor child has been the victim of domestic violence may request the assistance of a local law enforcement agency. The local law enforcement agency shall respond to the request for assistance as soon as practicable. The local law enforcement officer responding to the request for assistance may take whatever steps are reasonably necessary to protect the complainant from harm and may advise the complainant of sources of shelter, medical care, counseling and other services. Upon request by the complainant and where feasible, the law enforcement officer may transport the complainant to appropriate facilities such as hospitals, magistrates' offices, or public or private facilities for shelter and accompany the complainant to his or her residence, within the jurisdiction in which the request for assistance was made, so that the complainant may remove food, clothing, medication and such other personal property as is reasonably necessary to enable the complainant and any minor children who are presently in the care of the complainant to remain elsewhere pending further proceedings.
(b) In providing the assistance authorized by subsection (a), no officer may be held criminally or civilly liable on account of reasonable measures taken under authority of subsection (a). (1979, c. 561, s. 1; 1985, c. 113, s. 5; 1999-23, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50B - Domestic Violence › § 50B-5.5 - Employment discrimination unlawful.

§ 50B-5.5. Employment discrimination unlawful.
(a) No employer shall discharge, demote, deny a promotion, or discipline an employee because the employee took reasonable time off from work to obtain or attempt to obtain relief under this Chapter. An employee who is absent from the workplace shall follow the employer's usual time-off policy or procedure, including advance notice to the employer, when required by the employer's usual procedures, unless an emergency prevents the employee from doing so. An employer may require documentation of any emergency that prevented the employee from complying in advance with the employer's usual time-off policy or procedure, or any other information available to the employee which supports the employee's reason for being absent from the workplace.
(b) The Commissioner of Labor shall enforce the provisions of this section according to Article 21 of Chapter 95 of the General Statutes, including the rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Article. (2004-186, s. 18.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50B - Domestic Violence › § 50B-6 - Construction of Chapter.

§ 50B-6. Construction of Chapter.
This Chapter shall not be construed as granting a status to any person for any purpose other than those expressly stated herein. This Chapter shall not be construed as relieving any person or institution of the duty to report to the department of social services, as required by G.S. 7B-301, if the person or institution has cause to suspect that a juvenile is abused or neglected. (1979, c. 561, s. 1; 1985, c. 113, s. 6; 1998-202, s. 13(r).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50B - Domestic Violence › § 50B-7 - Remedies not exclusive.

§ 50B-7. Remedies not exclusive.
(a) The remedies provided by this Chapter are not exclusive but are additional to remedies provided under Chapter 50 and elsewhere in the General Statutes.
(b) Any subsequent court order entered supersedes similar provisions in protective orders issued pursuant to this Chapter. (1979, c. 561, s. 1; 2019-168, s. 2(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50B - Domestic Violence › § 50B-8 - Effect upon prosecution for violation of § 14-184 or other offense against public morals.

§ 50B-8. Effect upon prosecution for violation of § 14-184 or other offense against public morals.
The granting of a protective order, prosecution for violation of this Chapter, or the granting of any other relief or the institution of any other enforcement proceedings under this Chapter shall not be construed to afford a defense to any person or persons charged with fornication and adultery under G.S. 14-184 or charged with any other offense against the public morals; and prosecution, conviction, or prosecution and conviction for violation of any provision of this Chapter shall not be a bar to prosecution for violation of G.S. 14-184 or of any other statute defining an offense or offenses against the public morals. (1979, c. 561, s. 1; 2003-107, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50B - Domestic Violence › § 50B-9 - Domestic Violence Center Fund.

§ 50B-9. Domestic Violence Center Fund.
(a) The Domestic Violence Center Fund is established within the State Treasury. The fund shall be administered by the Department of Administration, North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement, and shall be used to make grants to centers for victims of domestic violence and to The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Incorporated. This fund shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of the State Budget Act. The Department of Administration shall make quarterly grants to each eligible domestic violence center and to The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Incorporated. The Department of Administration shall send the contracts to grantees within 10 business days of the date the Current Operations Appropriations Act, as defined in G.S. 143C-1-1, is certified for that fiscal year.
(b) Each grant recipient shall receive the same amount. To be eligible to receive funds under this section, a domestic violence center must meet the following requirements:
(1) It shall have been in operation on the preceding July 1 and shall continue to be in operation.
(2) It shall offer all of the following services: a hotline, transportation services, community education programs, daytime services, and call forwarding during the night and it shall fulfill other criteria established by the Department of Administration.
(3) It shall be a nonprofit corporation or a local governmental entity.
(c) On or before September 1, the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement shall report on the quarterly distributions of the grants from the Domestic Violence Center Fund to the chairs of the House Appropriations Committee on General Government and the Senate Appropriations Committee on General Government and Information Technology and to the Fiscal Research Division. The report shall include the following:
(1) Date, amount, and recipients of the fund disbursements.
(2) Eligible programs which are ineligible to receive funding during the relative reporting cycle as well as the reason of the ineligibility for that relative reporting cycle. (1991, c. 693, s. 3; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 988, s. 1; 2017-57, s. 31.2(a); 2021-180, s. 20.6(a); 2022-74, s. 20.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-1 - Definitions.

§ 50C-1. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Chapter:
(1) Abuse. – To physically or mentally harm, harass, intimidate, or interfere with the personal liberty of another.
(2) Civil no-contact order. – An order granted under this Chapter, which includes a remedy authorized by G.S. 50C-5.
(3) Nonconsensual. – A lack of freely given consent.
(4) Sexual conduct. – Any intentional or knowing touching, fondling, or sexual penetration by a person, either directly or through clothing, of the sexual organs, anus, or breast of another, whether an adult or a minor, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal. For purposes of this subdivision, the term shall include the transfer or transmission of semen.
(5) Repealed by Session Laws 2004-199, s. 50, effective August 17, 2004.
(6) Stalking. – On more than one occasion, following or otherwise harassing, as defined in G.S. 14-277.3A(b)(2), another person without legal purpose with the intent to do any of the following:
a. Place the person in reasonable fear either for the person's safety or the safety of the person's immediate family or close personal associates.
b. Cause that person to suffer substantial emotional distress by placing that person in fear of death, bodily injury, or continued harassment and that in fact causes that person substantial emotional distress.
(7) Unlawful conduct. – The commission of one or more of the following acts by a person 16 years of age or older upon a person, but does not include acts of self-defense or defense of others:
a. Nonconsensual sexual conduct, including single incidences of nonconsensual sexual conduct.
b. Stalking.
(8) Victim. – A person against whom an act of unlawful conduct has been committed by another person not involved in a personal relationship with the person as defined in G.S. 50B-1(b). (2004-194, s. 1; 2004-199, s. 50; 2007-199, s. 1; 2009-58, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-2 - Commencement of action; filing fees not permitted; assistance.

§ 50C-2. Commencement of action; filing fees not permitted; assistance.
(a) An action is commenced under this Chapter by filing a verified complaint for a civil no-contact order in district court or by filing a motion in any existing civil action, by any of the following:
(1) A person who is a victim of unlawful conduct that occurs in this State.
(2) A competent adult who resides in this State on behalf of a minor child or an incompetent adult who is a victim of unlawful conduct that occurs in this State.
(b) No court costs or attorneys' fees shall be assessed for the filing or service of the complaint, or the service of any orders, except as provided in G.S. 1A-1, Rule 11.
(c) An action commenced under this Chapter may be filed in any county permitted under G.S. 1-82 or where the unlawful conduct took place.
(d) If the victim states that disclosure of the victim's address would place the victim or any member of the victim's family or household at risk for further unlawful conduct, the victim's address may be omitted from all documents filed with the court. If the victim has not disclosed an address under this subsection, the victim shall designate an alternative address to receive notice of any motions or pleadings from the opposing party.
(e) All documents filed, issued, registered, or served in an action under this Chapter relating to an ex parte, emergency, or permanent civil no-contact order may be filed electronically. (2004-194, s. 1; 2013-390, s. 2; 2015-62, s. 3(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-3 - Process for action for no-contact order.

§ 50C-3. Process for action for no-contact order.
(a) Any action for a civil no-contact order requires that a summons be issued and served. The summons issued pursuant to this Chapter shall require the respondent to answer within 10 days of the date of service. Attachments to the summons shall include the complaint for the civil no-contact order, and any temporary civil no-contact order that has been issued and the notice of hearing on the temporary civil no-contact order.
(b) Service of the summons and attachments shall be by the sheriff by personal delivery in accordance with Rule 4 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, and if the respondent cannot with due diligence be served by the sheriff by personal delivery, the respondent may be served by publication by the complainant in accordance with Rule 4(j1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
(c) The court may enter a civil no-contact order by default for the remedy sought in the complaint if the respondent has been served in accordance with this section and fails to answer as directed, or fails to appear on any subsequent appearance or hearing date agreed to by the parties or set by the court. (2004-194, s. 1; 2009-342, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-4 - Hearsay exception.

§ 50C-4. Hearsay exception.
In proceedings for an order or prosecutions for violation of an order under this Chapter, the prior sexual activity or the reputation of the victim is inadmissible except when it would be admissible in a criminal prosecution under G.S. 8C, Rule 412. (2004-194, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-5 - Civil no-contact order; remedy.

§ 50C-5. Civil no-contact order; remedy.
(a) Upon a finding that the victim has suffered unlawful conduct committed by the respondent, the court may issue temporary or permanent civil no-contact orders as authorized in this Chapter. In determining whether or not to issue a civil no-contact order, the court shall not require physical injury to the victim.
(b) The court may grant one or more of the following forms of relief in its orders under this Chapter:
(1) Order the respondent not to visit, assault, molest, or otherwise interfere with the victim.
(2) Order the respondent to cease stalking the victim, including at the victim's workplace.
(3) Order the respondent to cease harassment of the victim.
(4) Order the respondent not to abuse or injure the victim.
(5) Order the respondent not to contact the victim by telephone, written communication, or electronic means.
(6) Order the respondent to refrain from entering or remaining present at the victim's residence, school, place of employment, or other specified places at times when the victim is present.
(7) Order other relief deemed necessary and appropriate by the court, including assessing attorneys' fees to either party.
(c) A civil no-contact order shall include the following notice, printed in conspicuous type: "A knowing violation of a civil no-contact order shall be punishable as contempt of court which may result in a fine or imprisonment." (2004-194, s. 1; 2013-390, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-7 - Permanent civil no-contact order.

§ 50C-7. Permanent civil no-contact order.
Upon a finding that the victim has suffered an act of unlawful conduct committed by the respondent, a permanent civil no-contact order may issue if the court additionally finds that process was properly served on the respondent, the respondent has answered the complaint and notice of hearing was given, or the respondent is in default. No permanent civil no-contact order shall be issued without notice to the respondent. (2004-194, s. 1; 2013-390, s. 3; 2015-62, s. 3(e); 2021-47, s. 10(k).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-8 - Duration; extension of orders.

§ 50C-8. Duration; extension of orders.
(a) A temporary civil no-contact order shall be effective for not more than 10 days as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed the temporary civil no-contact order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or a longer period if the respondent consents. The reasons for the extension shall be stated in the temporary order. If a temporary ex parte civil no-contact order:
(1) Is granted without notice and a motion for a permanent civil no-contact order is made, it shall be set down for hearing within 10 days from the date of the motion.
(2) Is denied, the trial on the plaintiff's motion for a civil no-contact order shall be set for hearing within 30 days from the date of the denial.
When the motion for a permanent civil no-contact order comes on for hearing, the complainant may proceed with a motion for a permanent civil no-contact order, and, if the complainant fails to do so, the judge shall dissolve the temporary civil no-contact order. On two days' notice to the complainant or on such shorter notice to that party as the judge may prescribe, the respondent may appear and move its dissolution or modification. In that event the judge shall proceed to hear and determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require.
(b) A permanent civil no-contact order shall be effective for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year.
(c) Any order may be extended one or more times, as required, provided that the requirements of G.S. 50C-6 or G.S. 50C-7, as appropriate, are satisfied. The court may renew an order, including an order that previously has been renewed, upon a motion by the complainant filed before the expiration of the current order. The court may renew the order for good cause. The commission of an act of unlawful conduct by the respondent after entry of the current order is not required for an order to be renewed. If the motion for extension is uncontested and the complainant seeks no modification of the order, the order may be extended if the complainant's motion or affidavit states that there has been no material change in relevant circumstances since entry of the order and states the reason for the requested extension. Extensions may be granted only in open court and not under the provisions of G.S. 50C-6(d).
(d) Any civil no-contact order expiring on a day the court is not open for business shall expire at the close of the next court business day. (2004-194, s. 1; 2006-264, s. 41; 2013-390, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-9 - Notice of orders.

§ 50C-9. Notice of orders.
(a) The clerk of court shall deliver on the same day that a civil no-contact order is issued, a certified copy of that order to the sheriff.
(b) If the respondent was not present in court when the order was issued, the respondent may be served in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings in accordance with Rule 4(j) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. If the summons has not yet been served upon the respondent, it shall be served with the order. Law enforcement agencies shall accept receipt of copies of the order issued by the clerk of court by electronic or facsimile transmission for service on defendants.
(c) A copy of the order shall be issued promptly to and retained by the police department of the municipality of the victim's residence. If the victim's residence is not located in a municipality or in a municipality with no police department, copies shall be issued promptly to and retained by the sheriff and the county police department, if any, of the county in which the victim's residence is located.
(d) Any order extending, modifying, or revoking any civil no-contact order shall be promptly delivered to the sheriff by the clerk and served in a manner provided for service of process in accordance with the provisions of this section. (2004-194, s. 1; 2012-19, s. 1; 2015-176, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50C - Civil No-Contact Orders › § 50C-10 - Violation.

§ 50C-10. Violation.
A knowing violation of an order entered pursuant to this Chapter is punishable by civil or criminal contempt as provided in Chapter 5A of the General Statutes. (2004-194, s. 1; 2015-25, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-1 - Definitions.

§ 50D-1. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Chapter:
(1) Human trafficking offense. – Any criminal offense under Article 10A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes that is not a sex offense.
(1a) Permanent civil no-contact order. – A permanent injunction that prohibits any contact by a respondent with the victim of a human trafficking offense or sex offense for which the respondent is convicted.
(2) Respondent. – The person who committed the human trafficking offense or sex offense.
(3) Sex offense. –- Any criminal offense that requires registration under Article 27A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes.
(4) Victim. – The person against whom the human trafficking offense or sex offense was committed. (2015-91, s. 1; 2023-71, s. 1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-2 - Commencement of action; filing fees not permitted; assistance.

§ 50D-2. Commencement of action; filing fees not permitted; assistance.
(a) An action is commenced under this Chapter by filing a verified complaint for a permanent civil no-contact order in district court or by filing a motion in any existing civil action, by any of the following:
(1) A person who is the victim of a human trafficking offense or sex offense that occurs in this State.
(2) A competent adult who resides in this State on behalf of a minor child who is the victim of a human trafficking offense or sex offense that occurs in this State.
(3) A competent adult who resides in this State on behalf of an incompetent adult who is the victim of a human trafficking offense or sex offense that occurs in this State.
(b) No court costs or attorneys' fees shall be assessed for the filing or service of the complaint, or the service of any orders, except as provided in G.S. 1A-1, Rule 11.
(c) An action commenced under this Chapter may be filed in any county permitted under G.S. 1-82 or where the respondent was convicted of the human trafficking offense or sex offense.
(d) If the victim states that disclosure of the victim's address would place the victim or any member of the victim's family or household at risk for further unlawful conduct, the victim's address may be omitted from all documents filed with the court. If the victim has not disclosed an address under this subsection, the victim shall designate an alternative address to receive notice of any motions or pleadings from the opposing party. (2015-91, s. 1; 2023-71, s. 1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-3 - Process for action for permanent civil no-contact order.

§ 50D-3. Process for action for permanent civil no-contact order.
(a) Any action for a permanent civil no-contact order requires that a summons be issued and served. The summons issued pursuant to this Chapter shall require the respondent to answer within 10 days of the date of service. Attachments to the summons shall include the complaint for the permanent civil no-contact order.
(b) Service of the summons and attachments shall be by the sheriff by personal delivery in accordance with Rule 4 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, and if the respondent cannot with due diligence be served by the sheriff by personal delivery, the respondent may be served by publication by the complainant in accordance with Rule 4(j1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
(c) The court may enter a permanent civil no-contact order by default for the remedy sought in the complaint if the respondent has been served in accordance with this section and fails to answer as directed, or fails to appear on any subsequent appearance or hearing date agreed to by the parties or set by the court. (2015-91, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-4 - Hearsay exception.

§ 50D-4. Hearsay exception.
In proceedings for an order or prosecutions for violation of an order under this Chapter, the prior sexual activity or the reputation of the victim is inadmissible except when it would be admissible in a criminal prosecution under G.S. 8C, Rule 412. (2015-91, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-5 - Remedy.

§ 50D-5. Remedy.
(a) If the court finds all of the following, the court may issue a permanent civil no-contact order:
(1) The respondent was convicted of committing a human trafficking offense or sex offense against the victim.
(2) The victim did not seek a permanent no-contact order under G.S. 15A-1340.50.
(3) Reasonable grounds exist for the victim to fear future contact with the respondent.
(4) Process was properly served on the respondent.
(5) The respondent answered the complaint and notice of hearing was given or the respondent failed to answer the complaint and is in default.
(b) The court may grant one or more of the following forms of relief in a permanent civil no-contact order under this Chapter:
(1) Order the respondent not to threaten, visit, assault, molest, or otherwise interfere with the victim.
(2) Order the respondent not to follow the victim, including at the victim's workplace.
(3) Order the respondent not to harass the victim.
(4) Order the respondent not to abuse or injure the victim.
(5) Order the respondent not to contact the victim by telephone, written communication, or electronic means.
(6) Order the respondent to refrain from entering or remaining present at the victim's residence, school, place of employment, or other specified places at times when the victim is present.
(7) Order other relief deemed necessary and appropriate by the court.
(c) No permanent civil no-contact order shall be issued under this Chapter without notice to the respondent. (2015-91, s. 1; 2023-71, s. 1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-7 - Notice of orders.

§ 50D-7. Notice of orders.
(a) The clerk of court shall deliver, on the same day that a permanent civil no-contact order is issued, a certified copy of that order to the sheriff.
(b) If the respondent was not present in court when the order was issued, the respondent may be served in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings in accordance with Rule 4(j) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. If the summons has not yet been served upon the respondent, it shall be served with the order.
(c) A copy of the order shall be issued promptly to and retained by the police department of the municipality of the victim's residence. If the victim's residence is not located in a municipality or is located in a municipality with no police department, copies shall be issued promptly to and retained by the sheriff and the county police department, if any, of the county in which the victim's residence is located.
(d) Any order modifying or revoking any permanent civil no-contact order shall be promptly delivered to the sheriff by the clerk of court and served in a manner provided for service of process in accordance with the provisions of this section. (2015-91, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-9 - Rescission.

§ 50D-9. Rescission.
At any time after the issuance of the order, the victim may make a motion to rescind the permanent no-contact order. If the court determines that reasonable grounds for the victim to fear any future contact with the respondent no longer exist, the court may rescind the permanent no-contact order. (2015-91, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 50D - Permanent Civil NoContact Order Against Human Traffickers and Sex Offenders › § 50D-10 - Violation.

§ 50D-10. Violation.
(a) A person who knowingly violates an order entered pursuant to this Chapter is guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor.
(b) A permanent civil no-contact order entered pursuant to this Chapter shall be enforced by all North Carolina law enforcement agencies without further order of the court. A law enforcement officer shall arrest and take a person into custody, with or without a warrant or other process, if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person knowingly has violated a permanent civil no-contact order. (2015-91, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-1 - Requisites of marriage; solemnization.

§ 51-1. Requisites of marriage; solemnization.
A valid and sufficient marriage is created by the consent of a male and female person who may lawfully marry, presently to take each other as husband and wife, freely, seriously and plainly expressed by each in the presence of the other, either:
(1) a. In the presence of an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate; and
b. With the consequent declaration by the minister or magistrate that the persons are husband and wife; or
(2) In accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, or federally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.
Marriages solemnized before March 9, 1909, by ministers of the gospel licensed, but not ordained, are validated from their consummation. (1871-2, c. 193, s. 3; Code, s. 1812; Rev., s. 2081; 1908, c. 47; 1909, c. 704, s. 2; c. 897; C.S., s. 2493; 1945, c. 839; 1965, c. 152; 1971, c. 1185, s. 26; 1977, c. 592, s. 1; 2000-58, ss. 1, 2; 2001-14, ss. 1, 2; 2001-62, ss. 1, 17; 2002-115, ss. 5, 6; 2002-159, s. 13(a); 2003-4, s. 1; 2005-56, s. 1; 2007-61, s. 1; 2009-13, s. 1; 2012-194, s. 65.4(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-1.1 - Certain marriages performed by ministers of Universal Life Church validated.

§ 51-1.1. Certain marriages performed by ministers of Universal Life Church validated.
Any marriages performed by ministers of the Universal Life Church prior to July 3, 1981, are validated, unless they have been invalidated by a court of competent jurisdiction, provided that all other requirements of law have been met and the marriages would have been valid if performed by an official authorized by law to perform wedding ceremonies. (1981, c. 797.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-1.2 - (See Editor's note) Marriages between persons of the same gender not valid.

§ 51-1.2. (See Editor's note) Marriages between persons of the same gender not valid.
Marriages, whether created by common law, contracted, or performed outside of North Carolina, between individuals of the same gender are not valid in North Carolina. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 588, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-2 - Lawful age to marry.

§ 51-2. Lawful age to marry.
(a) All unmarried persons of 18 years, or older, may lawfully marry.
(a1) Persons over 16 years of age and under 18 years of age may marry a person no more than four years older, and the register of deeds may issue a license for the marriage, only after there has been filed with the register of deeds a certified copy of an order issued by a district court authorizing the marriage as provided in G.S. 51-2.1, or a written consent to the marriage, said consent having been signed by the appropriate person as follows:
(1) By a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage party; or
(2) By a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party.
Such written consent shall not be required for an emancipated minor if a certificate of emancipation issued pursuant to Article 35 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes or a certified copy of a final decree or certificate of emancipation from this or any other jurisdiction is filed with the register of deeds.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 2021-119, s. 1, effective August 26, 2021, and applicable to marriage licenses pending or issued on or after that date.
(b1) It shall be unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to marry.
(c) When a license to marry is procured by any person under 18 years of age by fraud or misrepresentation, a parent of the underage party, a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party, or a guardian ad litem appointed to represent the underage party pursuant to G.S. 51-2.1(b) is a proper party to bring an action to annul the marriage. (R.C., c. 68, s. 14; 1871-2, c. 193; Code, s. 1809; Rev., s. 2082; C.S., s. 2494; 1923, c. 75; 1933, c. 269, s. 1; 1939, c. 375; 1947, c. 383, s. 2; 1961, c. 186; 1967, c. 957, s. 1; 1969, c. 982; 1985, c. 608; 1998-202, s. 13(s); 2001-62, s. 2; 2001-487, s. 60; 2021-119, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-2.2 - Parent includes adoptive parent.

§ 51-2.2. Parent includes adoptive parent.
As used in this Article, the terms "parent", "father", or "mother" includes one who has become a parent, father, or mother, respectively, by adoption. (2001-62, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-3 - Want of capacity; void and voidable marriages.

§ 51-3. Want of capacity; void and voidable marriages.
All marriages between any two persons nearer of kin than first cousins, or between double first cousins, or between a male person under 16 years of age and any female, or between a female person under 16 years of age and any male, or between persons either of whom has a husband or wife living at the time of such marriage, or between persons either of whom is at the time physically impotent, or between persons either of whom is at the time incapable of contracting from want of will or understanding, shall be void. No marriage followed by cohabitation and the birth of issue shall be declared void after the death of either of the parties for any of the causes stated in this section except for bigamy. A marriage contracted under a representation and belief that the female partner to the marriage is pregnant, followed by the separation of the parties within 45 days of the marriage which separation has been continuous for a period of one year, shall be voidable unless a child shall have been born to the parties within 10 lunar months of the date of separation. (R.C., c. 68, ss. 7, 8, 9; 1871-2, c. 193, s. 2; Code, s. 1810; 1887, c. 245; Rev., s. 2083; 1911, c. 215, s. 2; 1913, c. 123; 1917, c. 135; C.S., s. 2495; 1947, c. 383, s. 3; 1949, c. 1022; 1953, c. 1105; 1961, c. 367; 1977, c. 107, s. 1; 2021-119, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-3.1 - Interracial marriages validated.

§ 51-3.1. Interracial marriages validated.
All interracial marriages that were declared void by statute or a court of competent jurisdiction prior to March 24, 1977, are hereby validated. The parties to such interracial marriages are deemed to be lawfully married, provided that the provisions of this Chapter have been complied with. (1977, c. 107, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-3.2 - Marriage licensed and solemnized by a federally recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.

§ 51-3.2. Marriage licensed and solemnized by a federally recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.
(a) Subject to the restriction provided in subsection (b), a marriage between a man and a woman licensed and solemnized according to the law of a federally recognized Indian Nation or Tribe shall be valid and the parties to the marriage shall be lawfully married.
(b) When the law of a federally recognized Indian Nation or Tribe allows persons to obtain a marriage license from the register of deeds and the parties to a marriage do so, Chapter 51 of the General Statutes shall apply and the marriage shall be valid only if the issuance of the license and the solemnization of the marriage is conducted in compliance with this Chapter. (2001-62, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-4 - Prohibited degrees of kinship.

§ 51-4. Prohibited degrees of kinship.
When the degree of kinship is estimated with a view to ascertain the right of kinspeople to marry, the half-blood shall be counted as the whole-blood: Provided, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to invalidate any marriage heretofore contracted in case where by counting the half-blood as the whole-blood the persons contracting such marriage would be nearer of kin than first cousins; but in every such case the kinship shall be ascertained by counting relations of the half-blood as being only half so near kin as those of the same degree of the whole-blood (1879, c. 78; Code, s. 1811; Rev., s. 2084; C.S., s. 2496.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-5 - Marriages between slaves validated.

§ 51-5. Marriages between slaves validated.
Persons, both or one of whom were formerly slaves, who have complied with the provisions of section five, Chapter 40, of the acts of the General Assembly, ratified March 10, 1866, shall be deemed to have been lawfully married. (1866, c. 40, s. 5; Code, s. 1842; Rev., s. 2085; C.S., s. 2497.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 1 - General Provisions. › § 51-5.5 - Recusal of certain public officials.

§ 51-5.5. Recusal of certain public officials.
(a) Every magistrate has the right to recuse from performing all lawful marriages under this Chapter based upon any sincerely held religious objection. Such recusal shall be upon notice to the chief district court judge and is in effect for at least six months from the time delivered to the chief district court judge. The recusing magistrate may not perform any marriage under this Chapter until the recusal is rescinded in writing. The chief district court judge shall ensure that all individuals issued a marriage license seeking to be married before a magistrate may marry.
(b) Every assistant register of deeds and deputy register of deeds has the right to recuse from issuing all lawful marriage licenses under this Chapter based upon any sincerely held religious objection. Such recusal shall be upon notice to the register of deeds and is in effect for at least six months from the time delivered to the register of deeds. The recusing assistant or deputy register may not issue any marriage license until the recusal is rescinded in writing. The register of deeds shall ensure for all applicants for marriage licenses to be issued a license upon satisfaction of the requirements as set forth in Article 2 of this Chapter.
(c) If, and only if, all magistrates in a jurisdiction have recused under subsection (a) of this section, the chief district court judge shall notify the Administrative Office of the Courts. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall ensure that a magistrate is available in that jurisdiction for performance of marriages for the times required under G.S. 7A-292(b). Only for the duration of the time the Administrative Office of the Courts has not designated a magistrate to perform marriages in that jurisdiction, the chief district court judge or such other district court judge as may be designated by the chief district court judge shall be deemed a magistrate for the purposes of performing marriages under this Chapter.
(d) No magistrate, assistant register of deeds, or deputy register of deeds may be charged or convicted under G.S. 14-230 or G.S. 161-27, or subjected to a disciplinary action, due to a good-faith recusal under this section. (2015-75, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 2 - Marriage Licenses. › § 51-6 - Solemnization without license unlawful.

§ 51-6. Solemnization without license unlawful.
No minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State shall perform a ceremony of marriage between a man and woman, or shall declare them to be husband and wife, until there is delivered to that person a license for the marriage of the said persons, signed by the register of deeds of the county in which the marriage license was issued or by a lawful deputy or assistant. There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage ceremony.
Whenever a man and woman have been lawfully married in accordance with the laws of the state in which the marriage ceremony took place, and said marriage was performed by a magistrate or some other civil official duly authorized to perform such ceremony, and the parties thereafter wish to confirm their marriage vows before an ordained minister or minister authorized by a church, or in a ceremony recognized by any religious denomination, federally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe, nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit such confirmation ceremony; provided, however, that such confirmation ceremony shall not be deemed in law to be a marriage ceremony, such confirmation ceremony shall in no way affect the validity or invalidity of the prior marriage ceremony performed by a civil official, no license for such confirmation ceremony shall be issued by a register of deeds, and no record of such confirmation ceremony may be kept by a register of deeds. (1871-2, c. 193, s. 4; Code, s. 1813; Rev., s. 2086; C.S., s. 2498; 1957, c. 1261; 1959, c. 338; 1967, c. 957, ss. 6, 9; 1977, c. 592, s. 2; 2001-62, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 2 - Marriage Licenses. › § 51-7 - Penalty for solemnizing without license.

§ 51-7. Penalty for solemnizing without license.
Every minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State, who marries any couple without a license being first delivered to that person, as required by law, or after the expiration of such license, or who fails to return such license to the register of deeds within 10 days after any marriage celebrated by virtue thereof, with the certificate appended thereto duly filled up and signed, shall forfeit and pay two hundred dollars ($200.00) to any person who sues therefore, and shall also be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (R.C., c. 68, ss. 6, 13; 1871-2, c. 193, s. 8; Code, s. 1817; Rev., ss. 2087, 3372; C.S., s. 2499; 1953, c. 638, s. 1; 1967, c. 957, s. 5; 1993, c. 539, s. 415; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2001-62, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 2 - Marriage Licenses. › § 51-8 - License issued by register of deeds.

§ 51-8. License issued by register of deeds.
(a) Every register of deeds shall, upon proper application, issue a license for the marriage of any two persons who are able to answer the questions regarding age, marital status, and intention to marry, and, based on the answers, the register of deeds determines the persons are authorized to be married in accordance with the laws of this State. In making a determination as to whether or not the parties are authorized to be married under the laws of this State, the register of deeds may require the applicants for the license to marry to present certified copies of birth certificates or such other evidence as the register of deeds deems necessary to the determination. The register of deeds may administer an oath to any person presenting evidence relating to whether or not parties applying for a marriage license are eligible to be married pursuant to the laws of this State. Each applicant for a marriage license shall provide on the application the applicant's social security number. If an applicant does not have a social security number and is ineligible to obtain one, the applicant shall present a statement to that effect, sworn to or affirmed before an officer authorized to administer oaths. Upon presentation of a sworn or affirmed statement, the register of deeds shall issue the license, provided all other requirements are met, and retain the statement with the register's copy of the license. The register of deeds shall not issue a marriage license unless all of the requirements of this section have been met.
(b) Expired August 1, 2020, pursuant to Session Laws 2020-3, s. 4.13(a). (1871-2, c. 193, s. 5; Code, s. 1814; 1887, c. 331; Rev., s. 2088; C.S., s. 2500; 1957, c. 506, s. 1; 1967, c. 957, s. 2; 1997-433, s. 4.5; 1998-17, s. 1; 1999-375, s. 1; 2001-62, s. 8; 2002-159, s. 14; 2020-3, s. 4.13(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 2 - Marriage Licenses. › § 51-8.2 - Issuance of marriage license when applicant is unable to appear.

§ 51-8.2. Issuance of marriage license when applicant is unable to appear.
If an applicant for a marriage license is over 18 years of age and is unable to appear in person at the register of deeds' office, the other party to the planned marriage must appear in person on behalf of the applicant and submit a sworn and notarized affidavit in lieu of the absent applicant's personal appearance.
The affidavit shall be in the following or some equivalent form:
__________, [applicant] appearing before the undersigned notary and being duly sworn, says that:
1. I, __________, [applicant's name] am applying for a license in _______ County, North Carolina, to marry _______ [name of other applicant] in North Carolina within the next 60 days and I am authorized under G.S. 51-8.2 to complete this Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance for Marriage License Application.
I attach: (1) documentation that I am over 18 years of age as required in county of issuance; and (2) documentation of divorce as required by county of issuance.
2. I submit the following information in applying for a marriage license:
Name: ____________________________________________________________
First Middle Last
Residence: _________________________________________________________
State County City or Town
__________________________________________________________________
Street and Number
Inside City Limits (Yes or No): ________________________________________
Birthplace: _________________________________________________________
County & State or Country
Birth Date: ______________ Age: ____
Father: ____________________________________________________________
Name State of Birth
__________________________________________________________________
Address (if living) or Deceased
Mother: ___________________________________________________________
Name State of Birth
__________________________________________________________________
Address (if living) or Deceased
Race (Optional): ____________________________________________________
Number of this marriage: 1st, 2nd, etc. ___________________________________
Last Marriage Ended by: ______________________________________________
Death, Divorce, Annulment
Date Marriage Ended: ________________________________________________
Specify Highest Grade Completed in School (Optional): ____________________
Social Security # ______________ (If applicant does not have Social Security number, attach affidavit of ineligibility)
I hereby make application to the Register of Deeds for a Marriage License and solemnly swear that all of the statements contained in the above application are true and I further make oath that there is no legal impediment to such marriage.
_______________________
Signature of Applicant
Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this _____ day of __________, ______.
__________________________
[Seal] Notary Public
My commission expires: ______
__________________________
[Notary's typed or printed name].
(2001-62, s. 9.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 2 - Marriage Licenses. › § 51-15 - Obtaining license by false representation misdemeanor.

§ 51-15. Obtaining license by false representation misdemeanor.
If any person shall obtain, or aid and abet in obtaining, a marriage license by misrepresentation or false pretenses, that person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (1885, c. 346; Rev., s. 3371; C.S., s. 2501; 1967, c. 957, s. 4; 1993, c. 539, s. 417; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2001-62, s. 10.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 51 - Marriage › Article 2 - Marriage Licenses. › § 51-16.1 - Form of license for Address Confidentiality Program participant.

§ 51-16.1. Form of license for Address Confidentiality Program participant.
If a person submits to the local register of deeds a current and valid Address Confidentiality Program authorization card issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 15C of the General Statutes, the local register of deeds shall use the substitute address designated by the Address Confidentiality Program when creating a new marriage license. (2002-171, s. 3.)