Marriage, by definition, is when two people decide to come together to share love, life and often possessions. Throughout history, marriage enabled varying expectations and obligations—some insanely bizarre. Today, in order to receive certain rights and benefits, a couple must be married legally. Rules and regulations vary by state. See below for a few examples then contact the Mark F. Haslem PC Team for more information.
Q: What is the legal definition of marriage?
A: Most states define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman to become husband and wife. The standard way to marry is to get a marriage license from a state-authorized official and participate in a formal civil or religious wedding ceremony. While many states will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the laws regarding same-sex marriage continue to evolve. Contact an attorney at our firm to learn more about the marriage laws in our state.
Q: What are the legal effects of marriage?
A: There are several federal and state laws that benefit married couples. Some examples include the right to file joint income tax returns, create a family limited partnership (FLP) under federal tax laws, create a marital life estate trust, receive survivor benefits, receive a share of your deceased spouse’s estate under intestate succession laws, and claim the estate tax marital deduction.
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