Is marriage without the knowledge of the family, whether customary or official, valid, and what should be done if the marriage has occurred and it is impossible to inform the family?

The majority of scholars hold that a woman's marriage without her guardian's (wali) permission is invalid, whereas Imam Abu Hanifa deems it valid. If a Sharia (definition) judge conducts the marriage contract or rules it to be valid, then it is valid and enforceable. However, if "family" refers to the woman's relatives other than her guardian, then the validity of the marriage does not depend on their knowledge.