Marriage Law & Marriage Licenses

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.

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

What happens when one of you calls off the wedding? The answer to who gets to keep the engagement ring varies from state to state. Continue reading to learn more.

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.

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 divorce court divide a home purchased in my husband's name?

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.

Is my fiance already married?

What is the law on common law marriages?