If you are getting married, you most likely feel like you are on top of the world. This is how you should feel, however getting married is a big step, and there are many legal issues involved.
First, of course, you will need a marriage license. These are obtained through your County Clerk’s office, or the equivalent, depending on where you live. You will most likely need photo identification, a birth certificate, and divorce papers (if you are divorced) or a death certificate (if you are widowed). These will be required for both the man and the woman.
You may be required to take a blood test before obtaining the license as well. The cost of the blood test and the license will vary from one location to another. There may or may not be a waiting period as well. For example, if there is a three day waiting period, you will obtain the license, but not be free to marry for seventy-two hours after that point.
The person who performs the ceremony must have the authority to do so in your state. You can ask the person that you select about that authority, and they should give you enough information to check to be sure. However, in most cases, you will have personal knowledge of the wedding official, and be comfortable with them.
The bride has many legal issues to address. She must determine whether or not she will keep her maiden name, or use her husband’s surname. If she will be using her husband’s name, she will need to contact the Social Security Administration. She will also need to have her driver’s license changed, and credit cards changed.
The couple needs to take a serious look at insurance policies that already exist. The bride’s name needs to be changed, and the policy plan may also need to be changed to ‘employee and spouse’ or ‘employee and family.’
Finally, the couple will need to open bank accounts, both checking and savings, in both of their names. Some of these things will not be possible until after the marriage has taken place, however, some of these things can be addressed before the wedding as well.