Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a valid marriage?

A valid marriage generally hinges on several key requirements, one of which is the voluntary consent of both parties. This consent must be informed and given freely, meaning both individuals agree to enter into the marriage without coercion or undue influence. This is essential in establishing the legitimacy of the marital union.

The requirement that neither party can be married to someone else is another crucial aspect of marriage validity. This ensures that both individuals are legally free to marry, reinforcing the legal bounds of the new marriage and preventing issues associated with bigamy.

The stipulation about the parties being of different sexes varies based on the jurisdiction. Many places now recognize same-sex marriages, which means this requirement is not universally applicable. Therefore, this aspect is more about the legal recognition of marriage forms rather than a universal requirement.

Legal representation is not a requirement for all marriages. While having an attorney can be beneficial for legal advice or negotiation of terms, particularly in complex situations, it is not necessary for the validity of the marriage itself. Each party is generally capable of entering into the marriage without needing formal legal guidance at the time of the ceremony. Thus, the lack of a requirement for legal representation during the marriage is what sets this option apart as not being necessary for a valid marriage.