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Marriage Lawyers

Marriage is defined as a legal union between two people who meet the state law requirements for getting married, which vary from state to state. Generally, to be married, the couple must obtain a license from the state and participate in a ceremony. Some states allow common-law marriage, in which case a license is not required. While many states currently define legal marriage as only between two people of opposite gender, there some states allow same sex marriage and others are in the process of changing the different sex requirement.

Marriage is a legal status and with it comes changes to the rights, obligations and benefits of the individuals. For instance, married couples have a special tax status, may qualify for each other's government or employment-sponsored benefits, have the right to inherit from each other upon death, and certain financial rights to assets upon divorce. Married couples also have certain rights to make medical decisions for an incapacitated spouse and to avoid testifying against each other in certain legal matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Legal Definition Of Marriage?
Marriage is defined as a civil contract between two people who meet the legal requirements for getting married established by the state, which vary from state to state. Generally, to be … more
What About Same Sex Marriage – Is This Legal?
The short answer is that it might depend on that state in which you live or get married. Many states have introduced legislation to either specifically acknowledge same sex marriage, or … more
What Is Required To Obtain A Marriage License?
The requirements for the issuance of a marriage license are generally set by statute for the jurisdiction in which the marriage will occur. Generally it must state the names of the parties, their … more

Legal Articles

The Difference Between Marriage and Civil Unions
Much is made in the media about the differences between marriage and civil unions but what exactly are those differences and are they significant? People, presumably, get married because they are in love and seek to make a life time commitment to each other. People enter domestic partnerships for the same presumptive reasons. However, a marriage brings certain legal benefits … more
What is the Difference Between a Same-Sex Marriage, a Domestic Partnership, and a Civil Union?
Under current law, same-sex marriages are legal in three states – Iowa, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Vermont has also approved same-sex marriages and they will become legal on September 1, 2009. Same-sex marriages were legal for about five months in California, but now are not legal; of course, this development leaves many questions as to the status of the marriages that … more