England, Wales & Northern Ireland · 2007
Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 + Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Protects: Anyone at risk of being forced into marriage.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Creates Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPO). The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made forcing someone into marriage and breach of an FMPO criminal offences.
Key provisions
FMPO
Civil order, can be made without notice. Breach is a criminal offence (up to 5 years).
Criminal offence
Forcing marriage carries up to 7 years' imprisonment.
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
- Forced Marriage Protection Order →
s.63A–S Family Law Act 1996 (inserted)Civil order — can include passport surrender and travel ban; available without notice.
- Breach of FMPO →
s.120 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014Breach is a criminal offence — up to 5 years.
Forced marriage offence
s.121 ASBCPA 2014Decision point: stand-alone criminal charge — up to 7 years.