Marriage Customs and Laws &The Decision to Marry

“Married & Single Life”

Chapter 19-20

Marriage Customs

• We’ve come a long way, baby!

• Marriage customs (past)– Marriage by capture…literally!– Marriage by purchase

• Today, we “Marry for Love”– True for the most part in the United States– NOT true for all parts of the world

Marriage Laws

• These have developed slowly

• The laws are different from state-to-state– You must check the state that you will be

getting married in

Marriage Laws (Cont’d)

• Basic laws include:– Monogamy– Legal Requirements– Marriage Age– Physical Requirements– Documents– Waiting Period– Marriage Ceremonies & Officials– Prohibited Marriages– Living Together– Common-Law Marriages– Changing Your Name

Marriage Laws (Cont’d)

• Monogamy– Only one husband and one wife– Remarriage can occur only if a spouse has died or the marriage

has been legally ended.

• Legal Requirements for Marriage– Mutual consent of both parties– No threats forcing the ceremony– Neither party can be under the influence of drugs or alcohol– A marriage license must be obtained– The ceremony must be performed by an authorized official– The marriage must be reported to the state department in

charge of keeping records

Marriage Laws (Cont’d)• Marriage Age

– Most states have two requirements:• One at which young people may marry with parental consent (usually 16

years old)• One at which young people may marry without parental consent (usually 18

years old)• Physical Requirements

– Some states require a blood test to show that both partners are free of certain diseases

• Documents– Marriage license (applying and getting one vary from state-to-state)

• Usually, this is done at the courthouse by the county clerk• Used to protect property rights, inheritances, and the rights of children. They

help courts make fair decisions when necessary.– Prenuptial agreement

• This is when concerns are put into a contract in case the couple should divorce

Marriage Laws (Cont’d)

• Waiting Period– Many states require that people wait between

the time they decide to marry and the time of the ceremony.

• Usually between the application and receiving the license or between the license and ceremony.

• Marriage Ceremonies and Officials– In the U.S., may be either a civil or a religious

ceremony.• Civil= Justice of the Peace (courthouse)

Marriage Laws (Cont’d)

• Prohibited Marriages– No marriage between blood relatives– Some states regulate marriage between

people who are related by marriage only (a man and his step-daughter)

• Living Together– Cohabitation– States offer very little legal protection. Break-

ups are usually “nasty” and someone usually gets sued.

Marriage Laws (Cont’d)

• Common-Law Marriages– The couple consider themselves married even though

legal requirements have not been met.– The partnership may need to exist for a certain length

of time before it is recognized legally.– Mutual consent is key

• Changing Your Name– Legally, couples may do as they wish with this issue.– Many women change their name, but few are doing

so today. Men may change their name as well.

Look Before You Leap

• “Until death do us part” is a BIG and LONG promise!

• Marriage is not just about “love.” There is A LOT more to a marriage than love!

Besides love…

• Examine reasons for marriage

• The attraction• Maturity level• Education• Mutual interests• Qualities and habits• Compatibility• Goals and desires• Convictions

• Religion• Family• Friends• Children• Interracial marriages• Different nationalities• Role expectations• Parental input• Counseling• Making it last

Taking the Leap

• The Engagement– Six months to a year is usually recommended– This gives some time for reflection– A lifetime of happiness (or not) hangs in the balance!– Its ok to change your mind!

• The Wedding– Mostly customary “pomp and circumstance”– To some people, it’s a BIG deal!– Don’t lose sight of the real reason for a wedding