“The secret to a happy marriage is if you can be at peace with someone within four walls, if you are content because the one you love is near to you, either upstairs or downstairs, or in the same room, and you feel that warmth that you don’t find very often, then that is what love is all about.”
– Bruce Forsyth
According to Statista world records, more than 61.24 million people got married in 2018. This stat is going upward and making a new world record every year.
More than expressing love for each other, marriages are seen as the need for society to form a social structure and grow the society in general. Now when talking about marriages, people often undergo the series of rituals and ceremonies associated with two people’s pious bond.
Where rituals and following the traditional ceremonies is a must, you can’t afford to neglect the other legal requirements or complying with your marriage according to the lawmakers. There are a number of legal factors to consider when tying knots with the love of your life.
Marrying in the United States –
No matter which corner of the world, marriages hold the same values and status everywhere. The traditions may vary, but at last, it unites two people forever proving it as a match made in heaven.
When talking about marriages in the United States, the landscape and overall idea of marriage has changed dramatically in the past few decades. From cohabitation to the approach of same-sex marriage, the societies in the United States have seen a drastic change in no time.
At the same time, where most people get married to unite with their love partner forever, on the contrary, some people get married as a part of immigration requirements in the United States.
The lawmakers are strict enough in the US for the public to abide by the marriage laws and its legal requirements. No matter you are going for cohabitation or same-sex marriage, there is a set of legal expectations and documentations to be done to accept an individual as your spouse legally.
Legal requirements of a marriage in the United States –
The marriage laws are defined on the basis of states and not the federal government in the US. Generally, in most states, one needs to be 18 or above to get married. However, in some regions, one can get married at the age of 16 after having proof of parental consent for the wedding.
The marriage license –
No matter what race, religion or caste, one needs to obtain the marriage license to prove the match as spouses legally. A married couple can visit the local civil authority office to get the license as a proof of marriage. Usually, the circuit court clerk verifies the marriage and issues the certificate. You can visit the state or county government’s official website before visiting the physical office. This can help you be prepared for the documentation required from your end. All you need is to remain firm that both parties remain available at the civil court or office when registering the marriage.
If you are an immigrant who is getting married to an American citizen, make sure you have your passport with you or the birth certificate to prove your nationality. Also, make sure to bring a notarized English translation and your other documents.
Same-sex marriage –
From January 2014 onwards, same-sex marriages are legal in more than 18 states of the US and the District of Columbia. Further, civil unions are recognized in different counties of Arizona and Colorado. After a lot of debate, the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 makes it legal for the United States to accept and encourage same-sex marriage concept. Therefore, the marriages in the LGBTQ community are recognized by the US Supreme Court as legal. Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, established in June 2013, makes it easier for an individual to sponsor his/her spouse for a US visa by completing the documentation process.
And just in case you are not a permanent resident of the county or city you wish to be married in, you will still be legally married in your home country and will be allowed to marry there again (according to the traditional rituals).
The wedding ceremony –
Once you have obtained your marriage license from the governing authorities, you can get married to anyone who has been authorized by the lawmakers of the same country or city. Here, you need to check with the detailed regulations to commence marriage legally.
Talking about the United States in general, you need not have a specific civil or religious wedding ceremony. You would require to undergo only one ceremony which would act as the proof of your marriage. Later, you can perform traditional marriage ceremonies according to your rituals.
Some common steps to take after your wedding ceremony –
Although most states provide a legal marriage certificate via email to the newly wedded couple, if not, you would need to file it in the county or city for records. Here, make sure to ask for the certified copies from the civil court. This is important to get recognition for your marriage.
Changing the last name –
If you have decided to adopt your husband’s last name after marriage, make sure your new name is recognized in the home country as well. For this, you would need to undergo a detailed documentation process asking for both of your documents and the marriage license. This would include changing your social security number, as well.
The last line –
The concept of marriage may start with a fairy-tale imagination. But when you wake up to the realities, you realize that it encompasses a detailed documentation process and meeting legal requirements to be someone’s legal partner in the United States. Here, you can seek assistance from a legal marriage certificate provider who can effectively take you through the detailed process.
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