Mutual Oaths to Marry: Compelling Fulfillment and Grounds for Release

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Yehoshua Yitzchak Meir

Description

A young couple swore mutual oaths to marry each other, but the bride's father refused to facilitate or fund the match. The Chasam Sofer rules that the father cannot be compelled to provide a dowry, but the couple can be compelled to fulfill their oaths, with the bride entitled to insist the marriage occur in her city. If the community blocks the marriage there, the groom is released on grounds of ones, and in any case mutual voluntary release before a beis din of three is the preferred solution.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §228

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