Story perspectives

Judge Discharges Caveat, Confirms Second Cousins’ Marriage Capacity

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Associate Judge Sonya Singh discharged the caveat in Hastings Family Court, using an inquisitorial approach because parties were self-represented.
Medical testimony found the mother’s mood stable, thoughts coherent, and full capacity to marry, despite the daughter’s claim that a bipolar episode and overseas money transfer indicated incapacity.
Judge Singh noted the couple are second cousins, not a prohibited degree, and plan a traditional church marriage after a four-year relationship.

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Story summary

Associate Judge Sonya Singh discharged the caveat in Hastings Family Court, using an inquisitorial approach because parties were self-represented.
Medical testimony found the mother’s mood stable, thoughts coherent, and full capacity to marry, despite the daughter’s claim that a bipolar episode and overseas money transfer indicated incapacity.
Judge Singh noted the couple are second cousins, not a prohibited degree, and plan a traditional church marriage after a four-year relationship.