Getting Married

There's more to getting hitched than just a walk down the aisle. Here's a list of legal and financial considerations.

Getting married: It's a big decision. And entering into a marriage isn't just about making a serious (and hopefully life-long) commitment to your partner. It also involves numerous legal and financial obligations. A marriage contract is a legal contract and, when you sign it, you gain not only rights and benefits but also responsibilities.

Marriage is the legal union of two people—as of this writing, between one man and one woman. (Some states have considered legalizing same-sex marriage.) When you're married, your rights and responsibilities toward your spouse are defined by the laws of the state in which you live. You and your spouse may be able to modify the rules by creating a pre-marital agreement, but your marriage can be terminated only by a court granting a divorce or an annulment.

Still, no matter where you live, you face certain legal and financial issues when getting married.

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