Homepage Blank M 3 Colorado Form
Outline

When planning a wedding, navigating the legal requirements can feel overwhelming, especially when one party is unable to appear in person. The M 3 Colorado form serves as a critical tool for couples in this situation, allowing an absent party to apply for a marriage license through an affidavit. This form requires the absent individual to provide essential personal information, including their legal name, address, date of birth, and social security number. Additionally, it mandates the inclusion of a valid form of identification to prove the absent party's age. The presence of the other party is necessary when submitting the affidavit, ensuring that both individuals are committed to the union. Furthermore, the form includes sections for disclosing parental information and current marital status, which are vital for the application process. By understanding the requirements and completing the M 3 form accurately, couples can streamline their path to obtaining a marriage license, even when faced with the challenge of distance.

Sample - M 3 Colorado Form

ABSENTEE AFFIDAVIT – APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE

The absent party must fill this out completely, and the other party must bring the affidavit and be present in order to obtain the license. A copy of the ID showing proof of age of the absent party must also be presented with the affidavit.

STATE OF COLORADO

County of ___________________

I the undersigned hereby make application for a license to unite in marriage and under oath I state that the information given is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and there exists no legal reason why we should not be married.

APPLICANT:

Legal Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

FirstMiddle NameLastPrevious Married Name OR Suffix

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Number/Street

City

State/ Zip

Birth Date: ______/_______/_______

Last name at birth if different (opt): ________________________________________

Social Security Number: ___________________________ City&State of Birth: ______________________________

Father/Legal Guardian: ______________________________________________ City&State:___________________

FirstMiddle NameLast

Mother/Legal Guardian: ______________________________________________ City&State:__________________

 

First

Middle Name

Maiden & Last

 

Present Martial Status: (circle one)

Single

Widowed

Divorced

Married

If Divorced or Widowed

Date: ___/_____/_____ City&State: _____________________ Type of Court: _________

Proof of Age*: (circle one)

Valid Drivers License

Passport

Birth Certificate Other (specify) _______________

APPLICANT Signature: _______________________________________________

 

Subscribed and sworn to me this _____ day of _________, 20___ at ________ __m.

(seal)

____________________________________________________________________

 

Notary Signature / County Clerk and Recorder / Deputy County Clerk

 

 

Affidavit by person to be married when not appearing in person before county clerk. Properly executed, this form upon presentation is attached to marriage license application.

*Proof of age must be presented to the County Clerk & Recorder at the time of application for a marriage license.

Form M-3, Approved by the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, Revised 06/2005

Form Information

Fact Name Details
Purpose of the Form The M 3 Colorado form is an Absentee Affidavit used when one party is unable to be present for a marriage license application.
Identification Requirement A copy of the absent party's ID, which shows proof of age, must be presented along with the affidavit.
Notary Requirement The form must be signed in the presence of a notary or county clerk, who will attest to the signature.
Governing Law This form is governed by Colorado marriage laws, specifically under Title 14 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out M 3 Colorado

Completing the M 3 Colorado form is an essential step for obtaining a marriage license when one party is absent. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided. The following steps outline how to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Begin by entering the County where the application is being made in the designated space.
  2. Fill in the Legal Name of the absent party, including their first, middle, last, and any previous married name or suffix.
  3. Provide the Address of the absent party, including the number, street, city, state, and zip code.
  4. Input the Birth Date in the format of month/day/year.
  5. If applicable, include the Last name at birth if it differs from the current name.
  6. Enter the Social Security Number of the absent party.
  7. State the City and State of Birth.
  8. Fill in the name of the Father/Legal Guardian, including their first, middle, last name, and city and state.
  9. Provide the name of the Mother/Legal Guardian, including their first, middle, maiden, and last name, as well as city and state.
  10. Select the Present Marital Status by circling one of the options: Single, Widowed, Divorced, or Married.
  11. If the absent party is Divorced or Widowed, enter the Date of the event and the City and State where it occurred.
  12. Specify the Type of Court that issued the divorce or widowhood.
  13. Indicate the Proof of Age by circling one of the options: Valid Driver's License, Passport, Birth Certificate, or Other (specify).
  14. Have the absent party sign the form in the Applicant Signature section.
  15. Finally, the form must be Subscribed and sworn before a notary or county clerk, who will also sign and seal the document.

After completing the M 3 form, ensure that the affidavit and a copy of the absent party's ID are presented to the county clerk. This will facilitate the process of obtaining the marriage license.

Obtain Answers on M 3 Colorado

  1. What is the M 3 Colorado form?

    The M 3 Colorado form, also known as the Absentee Affidavit, is used when one party to a marriage is unable to appear in person to apply for a marriage license. This form must be filled out completely by the absent party, and the other party must bring it along when applying for the license. Additionally, a copy of the absent party's ID that proves their age must be presented.

  2. Who needs to fill out the M 3 form?

    The absent party, meaning the individual who cannot be present at the county clerk's office, is responsible for completing the M 3 form. This includes providing personal information such as their legal name, address, birth date, and social security number. The present party must then bring this completed affidavit to the application appointment.

  3. What information is required on the M 3 form?

    The form requires several key pieces of information:

    • Legal name of the absent party
    • Address, including city, state, and zip code
    • Date of birth
    • Social security number
    • City and state of birth
    • Names and locations of parents or legal guardians
    • Present marital status
    • Proof of age documentation

    Each section must be filled out accurately to ensure the application process goes smoothly.

  4. What is considered proof of age?

    Proof of age can be demonstrated through various documents. Acceptable forms include:

    • Valid driver's license
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate
    • Other specified forms of identification

    It is essential to present this proof at the time of application for the marriage license.

  5. What happens if the absent party is divorced or widowed?

    If the absent party has been divorced or widowed, they must provide the date of their previous marriage's dissolution or the date of their spouse's death. This information helps clarify their current marital status and ensures compliance with legal requirements.

  6. Where do I submit the M 3 form?

    The completed M 3 form must be submitted to the county clerk's office along with the other party present. It is important to ensure that all required documentation is included, as this will facilitate a smoother application process for the marriage license.

Common mistakes

When filling out the M 3 Colorado form, some common mistakes can lead to delays or complications in obtaining a marriage license. One frequent error is leaving out important personal information. Each section must be filled out completely, including the full legal names of both parties. Omitting any part of the name can create confusion and may result in the application being rejected.

Another common mistake is not providing proof of age. The absent party must submit a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate, along with the affidavit. Failing to include this documentation can prevent the application from being processed.

Many applicants forget to check their marital status accurately. It is essential to circle the correct option, whether it is single, widowed, divorced, or married. Misrepresenting one's status can lead to legal issues down the line.

Additionally, some people neglect to include the correct date of birth. This information must be precise and match the proof of age provided. Errors in the birth date can cause discrepancies that complicate the application process.

Another mistake involves the signatures. Both parties must ensure that their signatures are included where required. If the absent party does not sign the affidavit, the application cannot proceed.

Applicants sometimes overlook the requirement for a notary signature. The affidavit must be notarized to be valid. Without this step, the application will not be accepted by the county clerk.

Providing the wrong city and state of birth is another common error. This information should accurately reflect where the applicant was born. Incorrect details can lead to further verification steps that delay the process.

Some individuals fail to check the expiration date of their identification. If the proof of age is expired, it may not be accepted. Always ensure that the ID is current before submitting the application.

Finally, applicants may forget to bring the affidavit along with the application. The absent party must ensure that this document is present when the other party applies for the marriage license. Without it, the application cannot be processed.

Documents used along the form

The M 3 Colorado form is an essential document for obtaining a marriage license when one party is absent. However, several other forms and documents may be required or helpful in conjunction with this application. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that can assist in the marriage license process.

  • Marriage License Application - This is the primary document that both parties must complete to apply for a marriage license. It gathers essential information about both individuals, including names, addresses, and identification.
  • Identification Documents - Valid forms of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, must be presented by both parties. These documents serve to verify the identities and ages of the applicants.
  • Proof of Age - This may include a birth certificate or another official document that confirms the age of each applicant. It is necessary to ensure that both parties meet the legal age requirements for marriage.
  • Affidavit of Eligibility - This document may be required to affirm that both parties are legally eligible to marry. It typically includes statements regarding previous marriages, divorce decrees, or the death of a spouse.
  • Divorce Decree - If either party has been previously married, a copy of the final divorce decree may be necessary. This document provides proof that the prior marriage has been legally dissolved.
  • Death Certificate - In cases where one party is a widow or widower, a death certificate of the deceased spouse may be required. This serves as proof of the previous spouse's passing.
  • Notarized Affidavit - If one party cannot be present, a notarized affidavit may be necessary. This document allows the absent party to provide their consent for the marriage application.
  • Consent Form for Minors - If either applicant is under the legal age for marriage, a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian may be required. This ensures that the minor has permission to marry.
  • Application for Marriage License Waiver - In some cases, applicants may request a waiver for certain requirements. This form outlines the reasons for the request and must be submitted for consideration.
  • County Clerk's Receipt - Once the marriage license application is processed, a receipt from the county clerk may be issued. This document serves as proof that the application was submitted and is being processed.

These forms and documents play a vital role in ensuring that the marriage license application process is smooth and compliant with state regulations. It is essential to gather all necessary paperwork before proceeding with the application to avoid delays.

Similar forms

The M 3 Colorado form, which serves as an Absentee Affidavit for a marriage license application, shares similarities with several other important legal documents. Each of these documents plays a role in affirming identity, legal status, or consent in various contexts. Below are four documents that exhibit these similarities:

  • Affidavit of Support: This document is used primarily in immigration processes. It requires a sponsor to affirm their financial ability to support an immigrant. Like the M 3 form, it necessitates a sworn statement under oath, confirming the truthfulness of the information provided.
  • Power of Attorney: A Power of Attorney allows one person to act on behalf of another in legal matters. Similar to the M 3 form, it requires the principal's signature and often needs notarization to validate the authority granted, ensuring that the actions taken are legitimate and recognized.
  • Marriage License Application: This is the primary document couples complete to obtain a marriage license. It gathers essential information about both parties, including their identities and legal statuses. The M 3 form complements this process by allowing one party to participate in the application even if they cannot be present.
  • Declaration of Domestic Partnership: This document is used to establish a legal domestic partnership. It often requires both parties to provide personal information and affirm their commitment, similar to the requirements of the M 3 form, which also seeks to verify the legal eligibility of the parties to marry.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the M 3 Colorado form for an absentee affidavit related to a marriage license, attention to detail is crucial. Below is a list of things to do and avoid to ensure a smooth application process.

  • Do fill out the form completely.
  • Do ensure that the absent party's ID is included as proof of age.
  • Do have the other party present when submitting the affidavit.
  • Do double-check all personal information for accuracy.
  • Do sign the affidavit in front of a notary or county clerk.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may be rejected.
  • Don't forget to specify the type of proof of age being submitted.
  • Don't use outdated or incorrect forms; always use the latest version.
  • Don't assume that verbal confirmations are sufficient; written documentation is required.

By following these guidelines, you can help facilitate a more efficient process for obtaining your marriage license. Each detail matters, and being thorough will assist in avoiding unnecessary delays.

Misconceptions

Understanding the M 3 Colorado form is crucial for those applying for a marriage license. Here are four common misconceptions about this form:

  • Only one party needs to fill out the form. This is incorrect. The absent party must complete the affidavit, but the other party must also be present to submit it along with their identification.
  • Proof of age can be provided later. This is not true. Proof of age must be presented at the time of application. Acceptable forms include a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
  • The affidavit can be submitted without a notary. This misconception can lead to delays. The affidavit must be notarized to be valid when applying for the marriage license.
  • Previous marital status is not important. This is misleading. Applicants must disclose their current marital status, including any divorces or widowhood, to ensure the legality of the marriage.

Being informed about these misconceptions can help streamline the process and ensure that all requirements are met for a successful marriage license application.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the M 3 Colorado form for an absentee affidavit, it is important to keep the following key takeaways in mind:

  • The absent party must complete the affidavit in its entirety.
  • The other party must be present to submit the affidavit along with the marriage license application.
  • A copy of the absent party's ID, which shows proof of age, is required.
  • Information provided in the affidavit must be true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge.
  • Applicants should include their legal name, address, birth date, and social security number.
  • Details about the applicant's parents or legal guardians must be included, such as their names and places of birth.
  • The applicant's current marital status must be clearly indicated, along with any relevant dates if divorced or widowed.
  • Proof of age must be presented at the time of application; acceptable documents include a valid driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
  • The affidavit must be notarized to be valid; this can be done by a County Clerk and Recorder or a Deputy County Clerk.

Completing the M 3 form accurately will help ensure a smooth process in obtaining your marriage license. Be prepared with all necessary documents and information to avoid delays.