Marriage Dispensation is an attempt by the prospective bride and groom to obtain a decision from the court to enter into a marriage for underage couples. Applications for marriage dispensation have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indonesia. This research focuses on analysing the factors behind the increase in requests for marriage dispensation and seeking efforts to overcome the increase in requests for dispensation. The research method used is field research with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were collected through observation and interviews with judges from the Padangsidimpuan Religious Court and the Pengabungan Religious Court. Interviews were also conducted with the Padangsidimpuan and Mandailing Natal Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Services and the people of Padangsidimpuan and Mandailing Natal, who submitted requests for dispensation from marriage. The results of this study indicate that the reasons for the prospective bride and groom applying for dispensation include juvenile delinquency (free sex), pregnancy out of wedlock, arranged marriages, low economy, and encouragement of traditional traditions (marlojong). Efforts were made to address the increase in requests for marital dispensation by strengthening the role and cooperation between the Religious Courts, the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (DP3A), and the community (family)..

Marriage data in Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic shows an increase in both the marriages of couples who are old enough and those who are still underage. Especially for underage couples who are Muslim and want to get married, they must apply for a marriage dispensation to the Religious Court. Data on applications for marriage dispensation from the Superme Court in 2019 were 23,126 applications, increasing to 64,211 applications in 2020. The increase in applications for marriage dispensation during the COVID-19 pnademic was motivated by the change in the marriage age limit for prospective brides to 19 (Nineteen) years, and the existence of PERMA Number 5 of 2019 which specifically regulates related to adjudicating applications for marriage dispensation. Several other factors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, were seen from the reasons the applicants applied for a marriage dispensatoin due to local cultural customs (marlojong) and because they had had sex and even got pregnant out of wedlock. The granting of a marriage dispensation at the Panyabungan Religiuos Court prioritizes the readiness and benefit of the applicant.