you are here Forever wed Legal
Legal Effects of Marriage
boards • magazines • articles • sitemap • shopping 

What you need to do to change or keep your name after marriage.   Legal Faqs •  Legal Effects of Marriage, What it means to you What Makes our Marriage Legal? Marriage Requirements, What you need to know
Pre Marital Agreements
•  State by State Marriage Liscense RequirementsTax Tips to lighten your Tax Load Know each other's assets and debts
 

FEATURED PRODUCTS

     

 

Personalized Tin Mints
$2.50
$0.99 - $1.95

Personalized Tin Mints
$2.50
$0.99 - $1.95

Water/Wine Bottle Labels
Regularly $24.95

Sale $17.95/Pack of 24

Order by phone 425.353.2191
 

 
 

 

"Hello There!"
Have a Question?

Please, click here to
get real live help!

click to show / hide Sections
African America Weddings
Bridal Beauty
Bridal Showers
Budget
Catering
Cultural & Religious Traditions
Destination Weddings
Holiday Themed Weddings
Military Weddings
Ministry
Money  & Legal Advice
Parties & Bridal Showers
Photography & Video
Receptions
Second Weddings
Wedding Cakes
Wedding Ceremony & Wedding Vows
Wedding Etiquette
Wedding Favors
Wedding Flowers
Wedding Invitations
Wedding Music & Songs
Wedding Party & Family
Wedding Programs
Wedding Toasts & Speeches Wedding Worksheets

click to show / hide Shopping
Departments
On Sale
New Items
Ceremony
Unity Candles
Flower Girl Baskets
Ring Pillows
Guest Books
Pen Holders
The Knot Wedding Collections
Bouchard Collection
Beverly Clark Collection
Cathy's Concepts
Reception
Wedding Cameras
Place Card Holders
Cake Toppers
Cake Serving Sets
Toasting Glasses
Table Centerpieces
Decorations
Garters
Favors
Wedding Bubbles
Wedding Bells
Favor Holders
Favor Decorations
Favors - Gifts
Favors - Candy
Favors - Other
Gifts
Bridesmaid Gifts
Groomsmen Gifts
Child Gifts
Parent Gifts
Jewelry
Frames & Albums
Unique Items
T-Shirts & Hats
Bridal Showers
Novelty Items
Wedding Keepsakes
Bridal Accessories
Planning
The Knot Books
Books & Videos
Stationery
Attendants Gifts
 
click to show / hide Come Join our new Community Message Boards

Proposal Stories
Wedding Day Stories
Fashion & Beauty
Bridal Diaries & Introductions
Coffee Shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© ForeverWed.com 1998 - 2002

 
 



 


Legal Effects of Marriage
Reprinted with permission from Nolo Press


What are the legal rights and benefits conferred by marriage?
Marriage entails many rights and benefits, including the right to:
  • file joint income tax returns with the IRS and state taxing authorities
  • create a "family partnership" under federal tax laws, which allows you to divide business income among family members (this will often lower the total tax on the income)
  • create a marital life estate trust
  • receive spouses and dependents Social Security, disability, unemployment, veterans', pension and public assistance benefits
  • receive a share of your deceased spouse's estate under intestate succession laws
  • claim an estate tax marital deduction
  • sue a third person for wrongful death of your spouse and loss of consortium
  • sue a third person for offenses that interfere with the success of your marriage, such as alienation of affection and criminal conversation (these lawsuits are available in only a few states)
  • receive family rates for insurance
  • avoid the deportation of a non-citizen spouse
  • enter hospital intensive care units, jails and other places where visitors are restricted to immediate family
  • live in neighborhoods zoned for "families only"
  • make medical decisions about your spouse in the event of disability, and
  • claim the marital communications privilege, which means a court can't force you to disclose the contents of confidential communications between you and your spouse during your marriage.
 

 
getting married?

get expert advice
before the big day

ask an expert...
Sara Ambarian
Glenna Tooman

Suzanne Patterson
Deborah Keck
 

 

 Need more help planning your wedding? Order Sara's Book... Click Here

 

Invest in the timeless wedding resource that Midwest Book Review has hailed as:

"...a wedding reference book designed specifically for couples who have six months or longer to really plan their wedding down to the smallest detail.... as useful to the woman who plans a simple wedding as it is essential for one who anticipates a pageant....

Highly recommended.".

Order your Copy Today!