4- May an adult girl marry without the authorization of her guardian?
- For Sunnis: even at adulthood, the marriage of a girl requires the authorization of her guardian.
Even if an adult girl seeks the judge’s authorization, the judge will inform her guardian. If the latter does not object or his objection is misplaced, the judge will grant her authorization to marry.
- For Shiites: An adult girl needs the authorization of the guardian (namely the father or the grandfather) to marry except for the cases below:
. If she was no longer a virgin as a result of a former marriage (in which case she is called deflowered) and no one shall have authority over her.
. Where it is impossible to reach the guardian as a result of his absence.
. Where the guardian objects and his objection is misplaced or unfair.
- For the Druze: the guardian’s approval is required until the age of 21. If a woman wishes to marry before the age of 21, the Sheikh Akl or the Druze Sheikh shall inform the guardian. If the latter shows no objection or his objection is misplaced, she is granted authorization to marry.