Is the marriage contract rendered void and must it be annulled if unlawful encounters occurred between the engaged couple before the marriage, and are they blameworthy for not knowing what is required before marriage?

The occurrence of zina (fornication/adultery) between the two parties and their repentance must be verified before the marriage contract is concluded. If zina occurred and they did not repent, the contract is annulled, and she must observe an 'iddah (waiting period) of one menstrual cycle before the contract can be renewed. However, if zina occurred with repentance, or if zina did not occur at all (and it was limited to mere physical contact), then the marriage is valid, and there is no need to doubt it. Children are attributed to the father in all cases except for clear-cut zina.