Georgia § 19-3-5 - What marriages void; legitimacy of issue; effect of later ratification.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-3-5 — What marriages void; legitimacy of issue; effect of later ratification., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-3-5. What marriages void; legitimacy of issue; effect of later ratification.
Marriages of persons unable to contract, unwilling to contract, or fraudulently induced to contract shall be void. However, the issue of such a marriage born before the marriage is annulled and declared void by a competent court shall be legitimate. In the case of persons unwilling to contract or fraudulently induced to do so, a subsequent consent and ratification of the marriage, freely and voluntarily made, accompanied by cohabitation as husband and wife shall render the marriage valid. In the case of a marriage void on one of the grounds specified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of Code Section 19-3-2, after removal of the impediment to marriage, a subsequent free and voluntary consent and ratification of the marriage accompanied by cohabitation as husband and wife shall likewise render the marriage valid. (Orig. Code 1863, § 1657; Code 1868, § 1701; Code 1873, § 1702; Code 1882, § 1702; Civil Code 1895, § 2416; Civil Code 1910, § 2935; Code 1933, § 53-104.) Law reviews. - For article, "Annulment of Marriage in Georgia," see 5 Ga. B.J. 22 (1942). For article, "Georgia Inheritance Rights of Children Born Out of Wedlock," see 23 Ga. St. B.J. 28 (1986). For annual survey of law of domestic relations, see 38 Mercer L. Rev. 179 (1986).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 19-3-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-3-5 cover?
Section 19-3-5 ("What marriages void; legitimacy of issue; effect of later ratification.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 19-3-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-3-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 19-3-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.