Engagement season is off to a great start! If you're one of
the one's still contemplating popping the "BIG" question, we're sure
you have some questions about what marriage really is. This post will give you
all the answers you need...
Guest Post by Malini Bhatia
So, you want to get married? Congratulations! Hopefully that means you’re in love and looking forward to a long-term partnership. While there’s certainly plenty of info online to help you come up with a memorable proposal or how to plan a great wedding on a budget, there’s less out there about the boring part -- that is, the definitions and logistics behind getting married. Fortunately, we’ve got everything you need to know right here:
Types of Marriage
Marriage: Legally (not from religious or social perspectives),
a marriage is the consensual union of two people as people into a legal
contract establishing them as spouses. Most states in America allow same-sex
couples to be married, though marriage licenses still will not be issued in
about a dozen states. The legal marital age of consent differs in countries; in
the United States, it is generally 18 but can vary based on state law.
Civil Union: Civil unions are an alternative to marriages in
states that deny same-sex couples the ability to get married. Civil unions
afford many of the same protections, logistics, and benefits of legal marriage,
but often only on a state level. Civil unions do not get many of the same
recognized benefits on the federal level, and some employers can choose not to
recognize them.
Common-Law Marriage: Common-law marriages are unique in the
framework of domestic partnership. Because the legal concept of marriage is
based around the idea that two people are in a union that shares property,
finances, and life decisions, common-law marriages establishes this for couples
that have lived together for a period of time defined by the state. Not all
states recognize common-law marriages, so if you’re checking to see if you and
your partner qualify, it’s important to look up your state’s individual laws.
Marital Paperwork
Prenuptial Agreement: The so-called pre-nup is a legal
document or contract binding both partners to a list of agreements prior to
marriage. In most cases, this involves the non-transferral of property, assets,
and debt upon marriage, even in community property states.
Marriage License: Because married couples are recognized
differently for legal and tax perspectives -- as well as things like census
data -- a license must be applied prior to the wedding. This isn’t like
applying for a driver’s license where there’s a test, but it still does need to
be provided by the city/county of the wedding.
Marriage Certificate: A marriage certificate is different from
a marriage license. While the license enables a couple to get married, the
certificate is an official recognition of the marriage. It usually arrives in
the mail several weeks after the marriage is filed with the county clerk’s
office.
Before You Say “I Do”
The above items are the legal things you need to know before
you get married. Just remember to check in on the important emotional side of
it too: read books, talk to a counselor, and consider the ways that you can
begin to share your life -- and living space -- together. The paperwork is
required and the wedding is the fun party, but when all of that is settled,
you’ve got a lifetime together...so set yourself up for success!
SAMALA
No comments:
Post a Comment