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In the UK, forced marriage refers to the illegal, physical coercion of an individual into a marriage that they don’t want to be in. This is often done through emotional and psychological pressure, physical and sexual violence, and/or threats. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is being forced into marriage or is at risk of being forced into marriage, speak to a family solicitor as soon as possible. There are things that can be done and legal processes in place to protect people from marrying against their will. A Forced Marriage Protection Order issued by the Court is one way of safeguarding a person who is about to be, or has been forced into marriage.
What is Forced Marriage?
In essence, a forced marriage is where one or both of the people getting married do not, or are unable to, consent to it. Typically pressure or abuse by family or the wider community is applied to force the marriage to take place. It’s different from arranged marriages (although the two are often used interchangeably) in that, in an arranged marriage, both adults have given their consent to the wedding, even if it has been planned many years or decades in advance. Crucially, both individuals retain the freedom to back out of the marriage if they so desire, which is not the case in forced marriages.
In the UK, everyone has the right to choose if they get married, as well as who they marry and when they get married. The victim of a forced marriage might have to go through with their wedding under duress, possibly physically restrained from escaping by the person they’re marrying, or else by a third party who is enforcing the marriage against both spouses’ will. Alternatively, a victim might have certain learning disabilities (ones that prevent the individual from understanding the implications of marriage, or perhaps to develop the capacity to understand it) or severe mental health conditions that mean they cannot legally consent to a marriage.
For people living in the UK, the Forced Marriage Unit provides information and practical advice to anyone affected by forced marriage. The Unit abroad works with embassy staff to assist victims who may have been held against their will. Their website contains useful information.
At TV Edwards, we have specialist knowledge of the law in this area. Our Family Law team trains the police, the voluntary sector and local community groups in the issues around forced marriage, and our expert solicitors help protect clients who are victims. Sometimes this is in collaboration with other agencies, to make sure that the issues become properly and conclusively resolved.
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What to Expect From Our Forced Marriage Solicitors
At TV Edwards, our comprehensive knowledge of this avenue of law allows us to provide the right kind of compassionate help for victims of forced marriages. We help protect clients who are victims or potential victims of forced marriages, and ensure that their safety is absolutely guaranteed in the long-term before ending their cases. If necessary, we can offer urgent legal intervention to stop a forced marriage before it happens, while clients can feel safe in knowing that all consultations with our experts are strictly confidential and discrete.
If you have been accused of forcing someone into a marriage, TV Edwards can also provide advice, including where you have been served with a Forced Marriage Protection Order. Our advice is clear and independent, and based on many years’ experience of children, families and the law. If you are dealing with a difficult issue to do with marriage, divorce, children, or any other family situation and need specialist family solicitors in London to advise you, we are here to help.
To speak to us about your situation, use our contact form.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
Our specialist family team is top ranked in Chambers UK and highly commended in the Legal 500 2025 legal directories. The department has been recognised in The Times as a top 20 firm for family law in their 2025 guide.
Having a large team of dedicated and specialist solicitors means that we can advise in a wide range of family cases, including divorce, finances and children. Our specialist expert divorce solicitors handle complex cases with significant assets. Our specialist children lawyers are often at the forefront of family law handling groundbreaking cases in the high court and court of appeal.
We are passionate about the work do and are committed to provide exceptional client service to get you the best possible outcome in often stressful circumstances.
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Forced Marriage Frequently Asked Questions
What legal protection is available against forced marriage?
If you are being forced into a marriage or have already been forced into a marriage, you can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO).
This will order specific conditions and restrictions on the person who is trying to force you into marriage, making it illegal for them to do so. If the FMPO is disobeyed, the person can face up to 5 years in prison. The order can also provide protection and assistance if already forced.
Can a forced marriage be annulled?
In the UK, a forced marriage can be annulled or dissolved through legal proceedings.
It might be preferable to have a forced marriage annulled rather than face divorce proceedings. If the Family Court recognises that the marriage is illegitimate, they will determine that it should be nullified.
What should I do if I am at risk of a forced marriage?
It’s essential to seek immediate legal advice if you believe you are at risk of being forced into a marriage. Get in touch today.
What are the penalties for forcing someone into marriage?
Forcing someone into marriage can result in a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.
Disobeying a FMPO, meanwhile, can result in up to 5 years in prison.
What if I am taken abroad for a forced marriage?
If you are at risk of being taken abroad for a forced marriage, or are already abroad, there is help available.
If you’re concerned that you’re going to be taken abroad to get married against your will, contact the FMU on 0207 008 0151 or 0207 008 5000 for the out-of-hours number. In an emergency, always call 999. If you’re already abroad, contact the nearest British embassy as quickly as possible.
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