DAMPAK DISPENSASI PERNIKAHAN DIBAWAH UMUR TERHADAP KESEJAHTERAAN KELUARGA

This study discusses the impact of granting marriage dispensation for underage marriages on family welfare, with a case study in Lamongan Regency. The phenomenon of underage marriage remains a serious issue despite the declining trend in the number of cases in recent years. This research uses a case study approach through interviews, observations, and documentation involving underage married couples and relevant parties. The results show that marriage dispensation has a significant impact on family welfare, covering psychological, economic, educational, health, and personal social service aspects. On one hand, marriage dispensation is often considered a solution to avoid free association or out-of-wedlock pregnancies. However, this study finds that marriage at a young age does not increase the risk of divorce but instead triggers increased economic instability and psychological disturbances for both spouses and children. These findings emphasize the importance of education, increased legal awareness, and government intervention to reduce early marriage practices in order to achieve family welfare.