Marriage Life. Every couple looks onward to the day they say their “I do’s.” A lot of couples arrange for their wedding day, fixing every detail with great attention. But more than the romantic side, marriage is a binding contract entered into by two parties who have decided to live the whole of their lives together. It may be the most essential legal agreement you’ll ever make. And since it is a legal agreement, it is covered by specific state and federal laws.
Here are some rights and responsibilities couples should know Before Marriage:
Apply for a marriage license:
Before a state identifies your marriage as legally binding, you must get a marriage license. Each state has altered steps you must take in order to apply for a marriage license. Be sure to apply for your marriage license well earlier the wedding because some states might take a few days to process and grant your license.
Name change:
After you get married, you have the opportunity to change your name legally. Usually, your marriage certificate (with the new name) is the only proof you need to change your name legally. If you want to change your last name to your spouse’s last name, you usually can just start using that name and update your documentation at local agencies like the DMV and Social Security office.
Medical-related situations Or Medical Consent :
Wedded couples get additional rights during medical situations. These include more visits to their spouse in the hospitals, default rights when making medical decisions, especially when their partners are incapacitated. Spouses also usually have default rights to make medical decisions for their spouse if they are incapacitated. If you’d like to legally assign another person to make medical choices for you, you can appoint someone else using a Living Will.
Discuss debts & assets with your partner:
If you live in a public property state, the debts and assets you deserve after you’re married could become marital property. In the event of a divorce, you may be required to split marital property 50/50 (unless you have a prenup, discussed above). This can include wages, interest earned on investments, and homes. So be sure to discuss spending habits and future investment plans with your soon-to-be spouse because their money-spending ways could affect your bank account, too.
Community property:
While your assets and debts when you enter the marriage remain yours, assets acquired after you are married may be subject to your state’s community property laws. If you get divorced or die in a community property law state, your ex or surviving spouse may receive half of the marital property. If you want to choose how your assets are distributed, sign a Prenuptial Agreement and make a Will.
Respect begets respect:
While respect is not exclusive to married couples, treating your spouse with utmost respect should one’s top priority in a couple. Many states favor the aggrieved party in this situation—may it be engaging in certain marital misconduct, such as abandonment, abuse, or adultery. Any of these can be grounds for divorce and may even affect alimony and property division.
Make sure your ceremony is legal:
Most states have rules about who can perform a marriage ceremony. It’s usually partial to people like judges, ministers or clergy members. Some states flush allow people ordained via the Internet to officiate a wedding. Check your state’s laws to mark sure the person marrying you is legally allowed to officiate the wedding.
Bonus Tips:
- Things change — respect every other and be willing to change. Remain flexible and open to compromise.
- Day time friends and night time lovers. It’s more than a song, it’s a good lifestyle choice — stay friends with your spouse during the day and be lovers at night.
- Stay true — cheating certainly not works — the poison on your soul lasts forever. Never surrender your integrity.
- Listen more than you talk. Think more than you say.
- Let him recognize you are interested. Don’t think he should see you are interested and act accordingly. If you hunger it ask. If you can’t muster the courage to ask, buy and wear an “I want sex outfit.”
- Conserve your financial independence — you’ll necessity it eventually. Death is still the number one cause of divorce.
- Children modification everything. She will unapologetically love her children more than she loves you. If you can’t handle that, wrap it in latex.
- If you can’t resistor your emotions — leave — take a walk — pray. But whatever you do, don’t hit, slap, grab, pull, push, hug, knock, slam, choke, pinch, pin, headlock, armbar, round kick, front kick or beat each other in any way shape, form or fashion. If you must fight, use your words and remember anger equals ten feet. Not once pick up a weapon in anger.
So before you say “I do,” recalls covering these legal tips so you can live happily ever after. However, some states have exclusive state laws covering marriage. Consulting a native lawyer about marriage laws in your state can help couples know their rights and responsibilities for a happy married life.