Marriage Rights and Benefits

Learn some of the legal and practical ways that getting married changes your life.

Marriage Requirements, Licenses, and Ceremonies FAQ

Information on marriage laws and procedures.

Marriage Laws in Your State

Select your state to learn about your state's laws.

Changing Your Name After Marriage FAQ

What you need to do to change or keep your last name after marriage.

Common Law Marriage FAQ

Learn what common law marriage is and in what states it's recognized.

Returning an Engagement Ring

If the engagement is over, state law decides who keeps the engagement ring.

Fiancé & Newlywed Finances: A Checklist

Before getting married, or soon after, discuss marriage finances and make a budget.

Chart: State Marriage License and Blood Test Requirements

This chart lists requirements for marriage licenses, state by state.

Same-Sex Marriage Pros and Cons

Same-sex marriage facts to help you decide whether it's for you.

After I change my name, will others be able to find out my old name?

How much does it cost to get a legal change of a name? And is there any way people could find out my old name, without me telling them?

How do we enter into a common law marriage?

How can you get married under common law -- or how do you get a common law marriage recognized?

What is the "marriage penalty," and does it still exist?

We are hearing that getting legally married would be a financial detriment as it relates to taxes and Social Security. Could this be true?

Can I protect my assets without a prenup?

And what should I do to protect my equity in the house I have today if we decide to sell it and buy one jointly?

How will a home purchased in my husband's name pass at divorce or death?

Also, we have a three-month-old child, and I'm concerned about what his sole ownership will mean for her as well.

Is my fiance already married?

What is the law on common law marriages?