Getting married is a special milestone in one’s life. However, before tying the knot, certain legal requirements must be met, and one of them is obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about obtaining a CNI in Birmingham.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment is a legal document that serves as proof that an individual is free to marry. It is issued by the General Register Office and is valid for three months from the date of issue. In Birmingham, the certificate is issued by the Birmingham Register Office.
To obtain a CNI, you must meet certain requirements, which we will discuss in the following sections.
Who can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment?
Anyone who is planning to get married can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment. However, there are certain requirements that must be met before the certificate can be issued.
Firstly, you must be over 18 years old. Secondly, you must not be married or in a civil partnership. Thirdly, you must not be closely related to your intended spouse. Lastly, you must have lived in Birmingham for at least seven days before applying for the certificate.
How to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment in Birmingham?
To apply for a Certificate of No Impediment in Birmingham, you must visit the Birmingham Register Office. The office is located at Holliday Wharf, 18-24 Lower Loveday Street, Birmingham, B19 3SU.
When applying for the certificate, you must provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity (passport or driving license)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Proof of nationality (passport or birth certificate)
- Details of your intended spouse (full name, date of birth, and nationality)
You must also pay a fee of £35 when submitting your application.
Once your application has been received, the Birmingham Register Office will conduct a search to ensure that there is no legal impediment to your marriage. If no impediment is found, the certificate will be issued within 28 days.
What happens if an impediment is found?
If an impediment is found, the Birmingham Register Office will not issue the Certificate of No Impediment. In such cases, you may need to seek legal advice to resolve the issue before proceeding with your marriage plans.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment is an important legal requirement when getting married. In Birmingham, the certificate can be obtained from the Birmingham Register Office by meeting certain requirements and providing the necessary documents. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
