Marriage is a legal and business union as much as it is a romantic one. Although the limitations and requirements vary by state, basic marriage laws are similar. All states prohibit marriage to more than one person and marriage between close family members. Some of the more common limitations are :
- A prohibition against marriage between brothers and sisters, parent and child and marriage between aunt or uncle and niece or nephew.
- Minimum age requirement, typically 18 years. Many states permit marriage at a younger age if parental consent is given.
- Residency by one or both of the parties within the state for a specific period of time.
Most states also require a formal ceremony of some kind with witnesses and a licensed public or religious official.
Federal and state laws give married couples many benefits, including:
- Certain tax privileges;
- Federal benefit rights, such as social security, disability, unemployment, veterans' pension and public assistance benefits;
- Inheritance rights under state intestate succession laws;
- Claimant rights for loss of consortium;
- The right to make medical decisions about your spouse in the event of disability; and
- The right to legally protect marital communications.
Because marriage is a legal and business arrangement, it may be wise to consult with an attorney about the advantages of entering a premarital or prenuptial agreement. Many couples find it helpful to work through financial issues and the potential disagreements such issues can create before marriage.
|
Marriage