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Understanding the M 3 Colorado form is crucial for individuals who wish to marry but face the unique challenge of one party being unable to attend the application process in person. This form serves as an absentee affidavit, an essential document required to apply for a marriage license under such circumstances. It mandates the absent party to provide detailed personal information, affirming their desire and legal eligibility to marry. Additionally, the form requires the presentation of a valid ID as proof of age, ensuring both parties meet the legal requirements for marriage. The process not only emphasizes the importance of consent and readiness for marriage but also upholds the state's legal standards, helping prevent fraudulent activities. The M 3 Colorado form, approved by the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics and revised in June 2005, reflects the state's dedication to accommodating the needs of its residents while maintaining the integrity of the marriage institution.

M 3 Colorado Example

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

Document Properties

Fact Detail
Purpose of Form M-3 Allows an absent party to apply for a marriage license in Colorado by affidavit
Governing Law Colorado Marriage Law
Requirements for the Absent Party Must complete the affidavit entirely and provide a copy of ID showing proof of age
Role of the Present Party Must present the affidavit and absent party's proof of age to obtain the license
Required Information Includes legal name, address, birth date, parental information, and marital status
Proof of Age Valid Driver's License, Passport, Birth Certificate, or other specified documents
Approval Authority Form M-3 is approved by the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics

Guide to Writing M 3 Colorado

Filling out the M-3 Colorado form, officially called the Absentee Affidavit – Application for Marriage License, is a necessary step for couples wishing to marry when one party cannot be present to apply in person. This form allows an absent individual to provide all the necessary information and consent for the marriage license application. The process requires careful attention to detail to ensure the affidavit is completed accurately. The following steps will guide you through filling out the form properly.

  1. Start by entering the county of Colorado where you are applying in the space provided at the top of the form.
  2. Fill in the Applicant's legal name, including the first, middle, last, and any previous married names or suffixes, as applicable.
  3. Provide the applicant’s address, including the number/street, city, state, and ZIP code.
  4. Enter the applicant's birth date in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
  5. If applicable, include the last name at birth if it is different from the current last name. This field is optional.
  6. Fill in the Social Security Number of the applicant.
  7. Provide the city and state of birth of the applicant.
  8. Enter the name and location (city and state) of the father/legal guardian. Include the first, middle, and last names.
  9. Similarly, provide the information for the mother/legal guardian, including her maiden and last names.
  10. Indicate the present marital status of the applicant by circling one of the options: Single, Widowed, Divorced, or Married. If Divorced or Widowed, include the date and location (city and state) of the event, and the type of court.
  11. For the Proof of Age section, circle the type of identification being provided and specify if selecting "Other." Remember that this proof must be presented to the County Clerk & Recorder at the time of the application for the marriage license.
  12. Have the applicant sign the form where indicated.
  13. The form must then be sworn to and signed before a notary, a County Clerk and Recorder, or a Deputy County Clerk, who will fill the remaining section, including the date, time, and their signature, plus the official seal.
  14. Remember to attach a copy of the ID showing proof of age of the absent party to this affidavit when submitting.

Once you've completed these steps, the form and accompanying identification proof are ready to be presented by the other party at the County Clerk's office. This will fulfill the requirement for the absent party in the application process for a marriage license in Colorado. Properly completing this affidavit ensures that the application for marriage can proceed smoothly, even if one partner cannot be present.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the M 3 Colorado form used for?

The M 3 Colorado form, officially titled "Absentee Affidavit – Application for Marriage License," is utilized when one party cannot be present to apply for a marriage license in person. To complete the application process, the absent party must fill out this form entirely, and the present party must submit it along with a copy of the absent party's ID to prove their age. This is a necessary step for couples wishing to obtain a marriage license when circumstances prevent them from applying together at the county clerk's office.

What identification is required with the M 3 Colorado form?

Alongside the M 3 Colorado form, the absent party must provide a copy of their identification to prove their age. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other specified documents. This ID copy must be presented at the time of the marriage license application by the present party.

Who needs to sign the M 3 Colorado form?

The M 3 Colorado form must be signed by the absent party applying for a marriage license. Additionally, the form requires verification, meaning it must be subscribed and sworn before a notary, county clerk and recorder, or deputy county clerk, who should sign it on the designated line, signifying the affidavit has been duly sworn and submitted.

Can the M 3 Colorado form be used if both parties are absent?

No, the M 3 Colorado form is specifically designed for situations where one party is absent and the other is present to apply for a marriage license. If both parties are absent, this form would not suffice for applying for a marriage license. Specific county clerk offices may have additional procedures or alternative forms for unique circumstances.

What happens if information provided in the M 3 Colorado form is incorrect?

If the information filled out on the M 3 Colorado form is found to be incorrect, it could lead to delays or the denial of the marriage license application. It's crucial that the absent party provides truthful and accurate information to the best of their knowledge and belief, as they affirm under oath that there exists no legal reason preventing the marriage.

Is there a specific time frame in which the M 3 Colorado form must be submitted?

While the M 3 Colorado form itself may not delineate a specific submission time frame, counties may impose their deadlines for when marriage license applications, including any accompanying affidavits, need to be submitted prior to the marriage ceremony. It is advisable to check with the local county clerk's office for specific deadlines and requirements.

Where can one obtain the M 3 Colorado form?

The M 3 Colorado form can be obtained from the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the local county clerk and recorder's office. It may also be available for download from county websites, enabling individuals to fill it out in advance before heading to the county clerk's office with all necessary documents.

Common mistakes

When filling out the M-3 Colorado form, an Absentee Affidavit for Application for Marriage License, many individuals often make errors that can delay the process of obtaining a marriage license. Recognizing and avoiding these mistakes can streamline the process, ensuring that the application proceeds smoothly.

  1. Not providing the complete legal name of the applicant. It's vital to include the first, middle, last, and any previous married names or suffixes.

  2. Omitting details in the address section. Every part of the address, including the number/street, city, state, and zip code, must be accurately filled in.

  3. Providing inaccurate or incomplete birth date information. The birth date must be entered correctly, with the month, day, and year all provided.

  4. Failing to mention the last name at birth if it is different, which is especially important if either party has changed their name due to marriage or other reasons.

  5. Leaving the Social Security Number field blank. This is a common oversight that can cause delays.

  6. Incorrectly detailing the city and state of birth. This information must be accurate for both the applicant and the parents or legal guardians listed.

  7. Not specifying the current marital status. It's essential to circle whether one is single, widowed, divorced, or married, and provide the relevant details if divorced or widowed.

  8. Forgetting to specify the type of identification used as proof of age and not bringing the specified ID when applying in person. Acceptable forms include a valid driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other approved documents.

  9. Signature issues: either the applicant forgets to sign, or the form lacks notarization where required. Remember, the applicant must sign, and the form should be notarized or certified by the County Clerk as indicated.

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly expedite the process of obtaining a marriage license in Colorado. It is crucial for applicants to review the form thoroughly before submission to ensure that all information is complete and accurate.

Documents used along the form

When individuals are planning to marry, particularly under circumstances that require one party to be absent during the application process in Colorado, utilizing the ABSENTEE AFFIDAVIT – APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE, or the M-3 Form, is a necessary step. In addition to this form, there are several other important documents and forms that often accompany the marriage license application process or are relevant shortly thereafter. Understanding these documents can simplify the procedure, ensuring all legal requirements are fulfilled efficiently.

  • Marriage License Application: The primary form that both parties must complete when applying for the right to marry. It collects personal information and attests to the eligibility of both individuals to enter into marriage.
  • Proof of Age and Identity: Required for both parties. This can be a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate, supporting the information provided in the Absentee Affidavit and the marriage license application.
  • Divorce Decree: If either party was previously married, a copy of the final divorce decree must be presented. This document officially confirms that the previous marriage has been legally terminated and that the individual is free to remarry.
  • Death Certificate: In the event that a previous spouse has passed away, the surviving spouse must provide a death certificate to prove that they are legally eligible to remarry.
  • Parental Consent Form: Required in some jurisdictions for individuals under the age of 18 who wish to marry. This form must be completed by the legal guardians of the minor.
  • Change of Name Form: For individuals who wish to change their name after marriage, this form initiates the legal process of altering personal identification documents to reflect the new name.
  • Marriage Certificate Request Form: After the marriage ceremony, couples must file for a marriage certificate. This legal document serves as proof of marriage and is often required for various administrative and legal purposes.
  • Joint Tax Return Form: Following marriage, some couples choose to file joint tax returns. This form is used to combine income, deductions, and credits on a single tax return.
  • Beneficiary Designation Form: Couples often update their beneficiary information on life insurance, retirement accounts, or in their wills after marriage to reflect their new marital status.

Together, these documents facilitate a smooth transition through the legal processes associated with marriage, beyond just the initial application. Couples are encouraged to gather and prepare these documents early in the marriage planning process to avoid any potential delays or complications.

Similar forms

The M-3 Colorado form, titled "Absentee Affidavit – Application for Marriage License," bears a resemblance to several other legal documents, each designed to facilitate certain legal proceedings or applications. These documents serve to collect vital information, ensure the adherence to legal standards, and authorize individuals or entities to proceed with specific actions under law.

Power of Attorney (POA) for Personal Care

This form shares similarities with the Power of Attorney for Personal Care. Just like the M-3 Colorado form requires detailed information about the applicant and the absent party's consent, a POA for Personal Care typically involves providing detailed personal information and assigning authority to another person to make decisions on one’s behalf, especially relating to personal care or medical treatment. Both documents rely on explicit consent and verification of identity, often necessitating a notary or other official’s signature to attest to the validity of the declarations made.

Application for Absentee Ballot

Another similar document is the Application for Absentee Ballot. Much like the Absentee Affidavit for a marriage license, an absentee ballot application allows individuals to participate in an important legal process without being physically present. This document requires the applicant to provide personal identification information, an address, and occasionally, a reason for being unable to appear in person. Both documents necessitate verification of the applicant’s identity and eligibility, and they facilitate a legal process remotely, ensuring that all eligible individuals can participate regardless of their physical presence.

Visa Application Forms

Visa Application Forms also bear resemblance to the M-3 Colorado form in several ways. These forms are essential for obtaining permission to enter a foreign country, and like the M-3, they require detailed personal information, proof of eligibility, and often a declaration that the information provided is truthful and that there are no legal impediments to the application. Both sets of documents also include provisions for official verification and signatures, underscoring the importance of the information's accuracy and the legal weight of the document once processed.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the M3 Colorado form for an absentee affidavit application for a marriage license, it's important to pay attention to detail and ensure all information is accurate and complete. To help you in this process, here are some dos and don'ts to consider:

Do:
  • Ensure all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. This form is a legal document, and accuracy matters.
  • Provide proof of age for the absent party, as required by the form. This could be a valid driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other specified documents.
  • Have the absent party fill out the form completely. Missing information can lead to delays or rejection of the application.
  • Sign and date the form in the presence of a notary or the appropriate county official to verify its authenticity.
  • Include the legal name and relevant details of the absent party exactly as they appear on the official documents.
  • Verify the current marital status and provide the necessary details if divorced or widowed.
  • Review the form for completeness and accuracy before submission. Double-check all entries to avoid errors.
Don't:
  • Leave any field blank unless it is specified as optional. Incomplete forms may not be processed.
  • Guess on details or information. If unsure, verify the facts before filling them in to avoid inaccuracies.
  • Falsify any information. This can have legal repercussions and may invalidate the marriage application.
  • Forget to include the absent party's ID for proof of age. This is a crucial step in the application process.
  • Overlook the signature and notarization section. These are essential for validating the document.
  • Ignore state-specific requirements or instructions provided on the form. Each state may have unique stipulations that must be followed.
  • Delay in submitting the completed form to the appropriate authority. Timely submission is necessary to proceed with the marriage plans.

Misconceptions

When it comes to tying the knot, each state in the U.S. has its unique procedures and paperwork, leading to a myriad of misconceptions especially when special circumstances are involved. Colorado's M 3 form, used for applying for a marriage license when one party cannot be present, is often misunderstood. Let's debunk some of these misconceptions.

  • Misconception 1: The absent party doesn't need to give any personal information.

    Quite the contrary, the absent party must fill out the Absentee Affidavit completely, providing detailed personal information including legal name, address, birth date, social security number, and more. This measure ensures the authenticity and legality of the application.

  • Misconception 2: You don't need to present proof of age if you're over a certain age.

    Regardless of your age, the M 3 form stipulates that proof of age is mandatory for the application process. Acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate, ensuring that both parties meet the legal age requirement for marriage in Colorado.

  • Misconception 3: A notary's signature isn't necessary.

    This is incorrect; the affidavit must be notarized. This means the absent party's signature has to be witnessed and endorsed by a notary public or a county clerk and recorder. This step adds a layer of legal validation to the document.

  • Misconception 4: You can apply for a marriage license without the M 3 form if one party is absent.

    This isn't the case. When one party can't be present, the M 3 form, properly filled and executed, is indispensable for the other party to proceed with the license application. It's a unique provision that allows the absent party to participate indirectly in the application process.

  • Misconception 5: If you're already married, you don't have to declare your current marital status.

    Actually, the form requires that you declare your current marital status, choosing from single, widowed, divorced, or married. This information is crucial and must reflect your current situation accurately to avoid any legal complications.

  • Misconception 6: Any kind of identification is sufficient for proving your age.

    Not every form of identification will be accepted. The M 3 form outlines specific documents that are acceptable for this purpose, ensuring that the proof of age is reliable and meets the legal standards set by Colorado law.

  • Misconception 7: The process doesn't require information about the applicants' parents.

    In fact, the form does ask for detailed information about the father/legal guardian and mother/legal guardian of the absent party, including their full names and city and state of residence. This requirement helps further establish the applicant's identity and background.

Understanding the nuances of the M 3 Colorado Form is crucial for couples wishing to navigate the marriage license application process smoothly, especially when one party is unable to be present. Dispelling these misconceptions ensures that all parties are well informed and can prepare adequately, making the journey to matrimony a little easier.

Key takeaways

When navigating the process of obtaining a marriage license in Colorado, especially under circumstances where one party cannot be present, the M-3 form plays a crucial role. Here are key takeaways to ensure a smooth procedure:

  • Complete Absentee Affidavit Thoroughly: The absent party must fill out the M-3 form entirely. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejections.
  • Presence of the Other Party: The partner who is not absent must present the completed affidavit in person to obtain the marriage license.
  • ID Requirement for Proof of Age: A copy of an identification document proving the absent party's age must accompany the affidavit. Accepted forms of ID include a valid driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other specified documents.
  • Legality Assurance: By signing the affidavit, the applicant affirms that all provided information is accurate and there is no legal obstacle to the marriage. This declaration is made under oath.
  • Details Matter: The form requires detailed information about both parties, including legal names, addresses, birth details, and marital history. Accuracy is crucial.
  • Professional Verification: The M-3 form must be subscribed and sworn before a notary or a county clerk and recorder. This step is mandatory for the affidavit to be valid.

Understanding these elements ensures that couples are prepared, making the process of applying for a marriage license with an absentee party clear and manageable. Attention to detail and adherence to the directions on the M-3 form are key to avoiding complications in celebrating your union.

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