A null marriage is not recognized by law and does not require special steps to separate. It can be voided if it violates laws such as same-sex or closely related marriages. A voidable marriage can be challenged and annulled by the court, but can be legalized if the spouses take steps to do so. A […]
A public marriage license allows a couple to marry and is used by states to determine legal benefits and rights. It became common in the mid-1800s and can be accessed by anyone. Confidential licenses are available for those who require privacy. The license is only valid for a certain period and may require witnesses depending […]
Common law marriage is recognized in some US states and other countries, allowing unmarried couples to have the same legal rights as married couples if they meet certain criteria. Nine US states and Washington, DC recognize common law marriage with various requirements, while six other states recognize restricted common law marriages. The rights granted to […]
Covenant marriage is a more binding alternative to traditional marriage that requires counseling before the ceremony. It can only be dissolved under specific circumstances, and some states in the US have laws permitting it. A covenant marriage is a marriage that can only be dissolved under some very specific circumstances. Such weddings are offered as […]
A marriage officer is licensed to perform marriages or civil unions and can offer additional services such as premarital counseling and assistance with wedding planning. They may work through a religious organization, civil office, or as a third-party profession, and must obtain a license from a state-recognized organization. The main duty is to administer the […]
Marriage and cohabitation have different advantages and disadvantages. Cohabitation is easier to end, while marriage is legally binding and offers more rights and responsibilities. Marriage also limits freedom and allows for legal action against adultery. Spouses have decision-making power, while cohabiting partners may not have legal rights in medical situations. Marriage and cohabitation are two […]
An affidavit of marriage is a legal document that proves a marriage. It requires at least one witness to provide sworn testimony about the legality of the marriage. The requirements vary from state to state, and it can be used to show proof of marriage in businesses. Falsehoods can result in legal charges. An affidavit […]
Marriage banns are a traditional announcement of intent to marry, read in many Christian churches. They may be used instead of a marriage license and must be read three times before the wedding. They indicate formal approval of the marriage by the church and have been used to prevent illegal marriages. Some consider them restrictive, […]
Marriages of convenience are entered into for reasons other than love, such as to hide unpopular lifestyles or gain citizenship. They were popular in the Middle Ages and are still used today, with some being referred to as lavender weddings. Many countries have laws to prevent such practices. In the US, marriages involving noncitizens have […]
Marriages of convenience, which are not based on love or establishing a loving relationship, have existed since ancient times. They can be entered into for social, economic, or legal reasons, such as concealing one’s sexuality or gaining citizenship. While becoming less common, some homosexual individuals still enter into such marriages for social or business purposes. […]
In the US, half of women marry before 25 and 85% before 40. College-educated women are less likely to divorce and more likely to marry after 40. In 1950, 90% of educated women were married by 40. Only 6% of US women marry before 18. In the United States, approximately half of all women marry […]
Geneva School of Business researchers have developed a formula to increase the chances of a happy and lasting marriage by up to 20%, based on age, cultural background, and intelligence. The wife should be approximately 27% more intelligent than the husband. Researchers at the Geneva School of Business have developed a formula to increase the […]
To report marriage fraud, identify the appropriate government organization and gather information. In the US, it’s usually ICE or the FBI, in the UK it’s the UK Border Agency, and in Canada it’s CIC or CBSA. Marriage fraud is often immigration-related and can account for a quarter of all legal immigration in the US. If […]
Illegal marriage is when a marriage does not comply with legal restrictions in a specific area. Restrictions can include age, gender, religion, and race. A green card marriage is often considered illegal. Religious marriages may not provide the same legal benefits as state marriages. People can enter into contracts that resemble marriage. Illegal marriage is […]
Emotional spousal abuse is a non-physical form of domestic violence that involves psychological harm to a spouse through words and actions. The abuser uses tactics to control and undermine their victim’s self-esteem, creating an environment of fear and helplessness. Victims can seek help from loved ones, abuse hotlines, support centers, or victim shelters. Emotional spousal […]
Long-distance marriages occur when spouses live far apart due to dual careers or demanding jobs. Successful long-distance marriages require commitment and open communication. Couples may visit each other and rely on each other during extended travel periods. Seeking professional advice is recommended. A long-distance marriage is a marriage in which spouses live at separate addresses, […]
“Boston marriages” were intense friendships between women in the late 19th century, offering equality, support, and independence to affluent women. Some lived together to pursue careers or education, gaining respectability without a husband. While some couples kissed and referred to each other as “husband” or “wife,” the bonds were often about friendship and independence rather […]
Couples who spend less on their weddings tend to stay together longer, according to a study by Emory University. Divorce rates were 1.6 times higher for those who spent more than $20,000 on their weddings than for those who spent between $5,000 and $10,000. The study also found a correlation between having large numbers of […]
A wedding consultant, also known as a planner or coordinator, helps plan and execute weddings. They may have experience in business, finance, or event planning. Consultants gather information and make suggestions based on the couple’s needs and budget. They work with vendors to decide on food, locations, clothing, decorations, and flowers. The consultant ensures the […]
Marriage education is a course that helps couples learn about themselves, each other, and their relationships before marriage. It also includes continuing education for married couples and those struggling to improve their relationships. The courses focus on communication skills, conflict resolution, coping strategies, maintaining realistic expectations, and adjusting to changes. There are specialized courses for […]
