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Proposed 'Marriage Liberty Act' draws supporters who have private contracts and opponents citing domestic‑violence and child‑welfare risks
Summary
HB 16 15 would create an alternative contract‑based marriage enforceable under contract law; proponents said it adds predictability and reduces costly family court litigation, while legal‑aid and domestic‑violence groups warned it could lock survivors into agreements and shift child‑welfare disputes into civil court.
CONCORD, N.H. — The House Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony on HB 16 15, which would allow consenting adults to create a legally enforceable contract‑based marriage as an alternative to state‑licensed marriage.
Author Colin Mitchell and backers described the measure as a voluntary option that lets couples set binding financial and household terms, file an optional certificate for public recognition, and resolve breaches…
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