Marriage Law & Marriage Licenses

What does it really mean to be married? And what do you need to do, legally speaking, to prepare for marriage? Learn about marriage laws and procedures in every state, including laws affecting same-sex couples.

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

Getting married is a big step a couple's relationship. Continue reading to make sure you meet your state's requirements.

Whether you're getting married, or you're in a committed relationship, changing your name can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at once.

Who keeps the engagement ring when a wedding is called off? The answer depends on where you live—and it might depend on who broke off the engagement.

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

State-by-state requirements for marriage licenses, including where to get them, waiting periods, and how long licenses are good for.

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

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?

A number of factors control how a house that’s in only one spouse’s name passes in a divorce or at death. Learning what those factors are can help you address this topic with your spouse, if necessary.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Use these three books to help you end a marriage as quickly and inexpensively as possible, whether you decide to hire an attorney or not.
Avoid child custody battles and save money, time, and grief.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Family attorney.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please enter a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please enter a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Please enter a valid Case Description
Description is required
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you