Legal Information About Marriage

Answer 1

Many legal benefits are available for those who are married. While these benefits may vary from state to state they often include allowances for estate planning, tax filing and insurance benefits. Some legal benefits may not apply to those who are common law married depending upon the type of benefit and the state the common law marriage takes place. A state office will be able to provide more information about what is allowed for various forms of marriage for legal benefits.

Insurance and social security benefits for spouses are among the most common form of legal benefits for marriage. This allows married couples to obtain health and life insurance benefits from employers. This can allow for a family or couple to share the same insurance, often at a reduced rate. These benefits will also be available for married couples who have children in order to have full family coverage for insurance.

Married couples with children or plan to adopt children also receive some legal benefits. The adoption process is often easier for those who are married as it establishes a family setting and allows for easier paperwork. Those who have their own children are able to make joint decisions on the well-being and care of children such as insurance, schooling and health options.

Consumer benefits are also considered to be a valuable part of a legal marriage. Benefits such as discounted rates for car or home insurance, tuition discounts and other areas are also available. This can allow those who are married to continue education as necessary at a reduced rate. Some housing areas may be restricted for families only, allowing those who are married to be able to purchase or rent homes in these areas.

For some couples, the married tax penalty may be a deterrent to a legal marriage. A married tax penalty is the difference between what a couple would pay by filing together versus filing separately. For some couples, it may be more beneficial to file separately.

While marriage does have a number of benefits, there are some consequences to it such as lengthy procedures if trying to annul or divorce. Those who are same-sex married or common law married may not be eligible for all benefits such as health insurance or other tax benefits. Domestic union partnerships may also not be eligible for all legal benefits from marriage depending upon the state.